READERS of our last piece on the NBA Conference finals had mixed reactions to the possibility of a Boston-San Antonio finale.
It seemed pretty remote at the time but the possibility still remains no matter what the status of the two conference finals are as of today. It’s just that long-time supporters of the Celtics and the Spurs are dying to see the veterans of each side go for one more title.
A younger generation of fans of course want to see Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder engage the talented Heat. LeBron James diehards are also craving for redemption after their hero failed again to deliver a championship last year.
In the West, the Spurs raced to a 2-0 series lead as they extended their winning streak from the regular season to the playoffs. However, in Game Three, the youthful Thunder made defensive adjustments, forced the otherwise poised Spurs into uncharacteristic turnovers and took the fight out of the veterans early. The Thunder took the game
Now the youthful Thunder have tied up the series and may have finally tired up the Spurs. In Game 4, Serge Ibaka, the shot-blocking dervish scored 26 points to defy whatever defense the Spurs could muster. Ibaka complimented Durant’s 36 points and became a third scoring option, always helpful to a team as the Celtics have rediscovered and the Heat needed in their own series.
The Boston-Miami Eastern Conference finals is now at 2-1 with the Heat still ahead after taking the first two games. The Celtics avoided a 3-0 hole with a 101-91 win at home. The Celtics were led by Kevin Garnett with 24 points, Paul Pierce with 23 and the smooth Rajon Rondo, who had 21 points and 10 assists. Nothing like home cooking to perk you up. Pumping your chest or doing push-ups in front of the crowd as Garnett did is always more delightfully done at home rather than on the road.
Rondo is arguably one of the smoothest operators on the NBA hardwood because he is the straw that stirs the Celtic drink. He is an offensive triple threat as he can pass, score and penetrate to set up short attempts or kickouts for treys. Rondo’s basketball smarts are thrilling to watch. On one baseline inbound play in Game Three, for example, he had no one to pass to and decided to brush the ball against a Heat defender who had his back turned. Rondo then calmly picked up the ball to start the Celtic halfcourt offense.
A week remains before the possibility of a Celtics-Spurs championship series comes true or fizzles out in the face of roaring thunder or scintillating heat. Don’t get me wrong. I will relish a Thunder-Heat finale with all its athletic virtuosity. My sentimental side is the one that craves for a Spurs-Celtics showdown.