Pierce cold, impacts Game 3 in other ways

Source: CSN Boston

Paul Pierce didn't have his best shooting night in Game 3 against the Sixers, but he found other ways to leave his stamp on the game.

Who's better than Boston? No, really ...

Source: ESPN Boston

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty ImagesWhat in February seemed like a ridiculous question is now one that merits asking: Among the teams remaining in the NBA playoffs, how many have a better chance at winning the title than the Celtics? Certainly the Sixers don't. Same probably goes for the Pacers and Clippers. But what about the Heat and the Western Conference heavyweights (Oklahoma City and San Antonio)? Click HERE to rank the eight teams remaining and see what the rest of SportsNation thinks.

When Iggy's not in sight

Source: ESPN Boston

Brian Babineau/NBAE/GettyAndre Iguodala has done a solid job limiting Paul Pierce's offense this series.PHILADELPHIA -- One of the secrets to Paul Pierce's offensive success in Wednesday's Game 3 win? Whenever No. 9 wasn't in front of him, Pierce attacked. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Pierce was a mere 1-of-5 shooting when guarded by Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala on Wednesday (and is now just 5 for 20 for the series). But only one of Pierce's attempts against Iguodala came after the first quarter and Pierce seemed to attack whenever he didn't have Philly's smothering swingman impeding his path.

NBA4Life – Broadcast Special

Source: Celtics Late Night Show by Patrick Doohan

Ok, ok, you caught me…. we all know that “special” is code for re-run.  Yep that’s the deal.  But here’s the straight up honest truth.  NBA4Life Episode # 57 was one of the best of the year.  Join me (Pat) and Awall, along with our Floridian correspondent Keb as we talk NBA Playoff hoops, have [...]

Running Rondo fuels C's in transition

Source: ESPN Boston

Drew Hallowell/Getty ImagesCeltics point guard Rajon Rondo races to the rim for a layup against the Philadephia 76ers.PHILADELPHIA -- It's no surprise that the Boston Celtics came out with a desire to run during Wednesday's Game 3. After suffering through an offensively anemic Game 2, the team put an emphasis on trying to generate easy points before the Philadelphia 76ers could set their halfcourt defense. What might be somewhat surprising is just how effective Boston was in transition.

Comments from the other side - Sixers Game 3 5/16

Source: Celtics Life

I love when comments start out so sure of a win and talking about how old and done the Celtics are and then turn to frustration as their team gets dominated on fast breaks by the "old" Celtics.  It's amazing that there is more hate for Hawes among their fans than for the Celtics.  I loved the comment where they complained about not even being able to fill their arena with Sixer fans and also the one about the niece learning to talk like a longshoreman from KG.  What's your favorite? 

Wait did the Sixers even play in game 2? I was watching the news and apparently The Celtics were beaten by themselves and referees. No one wants to give this team credit, but after we take game 3, people are gonna start paying attention.

Celtics are out of fuel in my opinion.. We are putting a full stop on the big 3 for good.

We can mask Lou and meek's horrible defense as long as they are not in together by putting them on rondo and having them stand 10 feet back like the rest of our guys Rondo is that bad


Rondo is a jumpshot away from being a top 3 player in the league. He is amazing. All throughout game one I thought Rondo wasn't doing anything. Check the boxscore and kid has like 16 assist and 11 rebounds and he's only 6'1. Do not be foolish, Rondo is a superstar Imo.

Dude rondo is nothing close to a superstar The guy is so bad in the halfcourt its embarrassing... Boston has tried trading him FOR A REASON... If he was a superstar, they would be ready to build around him after this run and start over... But they ARENT... That should tell you something right there!!

They tried to trade him for Chris Paul.

They also tried trading him for a run down pau gasol ....

So they tried trading him for the best pg and a center that put up 17/10/4 this year(wish we had someone that "run down")

I don't like Rondo one bit...but the dude has 8 triple doubles in his playoff career. That's one more than LeBron. Don't see how you can call him horrible. One aspect of his game may be horrible but not his entire game.

If we do win, you know it will just be clouded with Pierce's knee, Bradley's shoulder, etc.

Disappointed at the amount of red shirts I see.

I really don't care how desperate the Celtics are because they are old, injured, and out of gas. You have to love the schedule where in the first 4 games of this series there's only one day off between each game. Pierce is on one leg. Shuttlesworth is one one leg. Avery is on one arm. And KG can't keep this up. Put these dogs down. It needs to be 3-1 by Friday

I hope the Sixers send a strong message to Boston, and smash the Celtics.

The Celtics are old and they are finished.  No gas left in the tank.  First Sixer blow out tonight.  They were terrible at home and will play even worse here.  Put them out of their misery. 

All I want to kno wis why is hawes starting. Pierce got three straight offensive rebounds over hawes.

Spencer Hades ruins everything. F*** he’s so soft.

Hawescrub fail

No reason for ET to get his shot blocked by Avery Bradley, no matter how good a defender he is.

Please guard Rondo. Thank you.

Go at garnett! Get him out of there!

Two quick fouls on Garnett

Kevin Garnett getting the Stern treatment.

Rondo is ****ing kill us on the transition.

Rondo single handedly keeping them in this!

Haha old man Pierce is so pumped he can still d

Stop letting Pierce dunk. He moves way too ****ing slow to allow that.

Rondo hitting threes? WHUT

Celtics lookin tired after this quarter, we made em work. Look at that boy pierce screaming and sweating his ass off and he still aint playing good.

So just cause pierce screams, he gets a foul call every time?

So I guess Pierce just needs to scream now and they send him to the line? Is that the way the game will be played?

Pierce is attacking tonight…not a good sign

Pierce and Rondo can’t play all 48, right?

You can't call a foul every time pierce screams.

I hate Lou so much, I don't care what shot he hits, I just hate him even when he makes it.

Comon white ref, you supposed to be looking out for your white players

Pierce is really pissing me off. Stop screaming every time you dribble you ****ing old pathetic loser.

Doc Rivers is such a ****ing cry baby...It's a good thing...pierce got the foul call...I mean really dude...you're players are dirty...it's not the ref....

2 bos fans in the front row...wtf

I hate kg

Wow Celtics are getting some weak calls...

We allowed way too many points, we don’t need Pierce howling like a dog ready to be put down…shut him up, shut him down!

Pietrus with those lucky shots.

Hawes. Permanently inept.

Pacers fan here hoping you guys go to the ECF with us to prove that teamwork beats fraudulent stars.

Not gonna lie, it looks the Celtics are finally playing hard this game.

The best thing that could happen to this team is if hawes picks up all 6 fouls before the half.

Brand's doneness is really reaaly showing this series.

Man garnett at this age has had more good games in this one playoff series then hawes has had since he came back from injury.

Man Boston is getting a TON of calls tonight.

If you fart in the general direction of pierce the ref calls a foul.

Glad they cut away from the game. I was dying to know who won Executive of the Year…

I really hate Hawes. I really hate him.

Worst player ever, only player I’ve ever wished injury on

I guess we’re reduced to hoping Garnett tires himself out.

My 6 year old niece could guard KG better then Hawes that’s how bad he’s been

And she’d learn to talk like a longshoreman!

I wouldn’t actually call what Hawes is doing to Garnett as “guarding”. Hawes is just appreciating Garnett and his career.

Lots of Celtic fans in the house

Can't watch KG and that point guard of theirs.

Letting Pierce have two highlight dunks in one 2-3 minute span on a bum knee, ladies and gentlemen... Only your Philadelphia 76ers.

The 3rd quarter is usually the comeback quarter. We'll be back. Boston won't play or shoot like this in the 2nd half.

We can't stop rondo - for once he's being the aggressor and we can't stop him. he's just driving it in and making it or getting fouled 80% of the time.

Haha hawes vs rondo jump ball, rondo obv the favorite here

I HATE THIS TEAM SO OOOOO MUCH

Anyone else want to strangle Marquis Daniels? I really am getting sick of his pulling the air down thing

I fully expect the Celtics to go cold soon and the Sixers to make a furious comeback.

Philadelphia Bobcats right now.

Brand grabs a lot of jersey.

Please kill Hawes somebody

Guys... I wanna stab eyes out. It’s such a pathetic excuse of effort out there.

I HATE MARQUIS DANIELS

That Awkward Moment When... Paul Pierce grabs a defensive rebound amongst his own teammates and roars with enthusiasm.

Well the good news is… Getting blown out will give the Celtics starters plenty of rest for the next game/blowout.

Rondo is such a turd

I wish we had Rondo on our team. He doesn’t lose his head

The Celtics “defense” gets away with a lot of slapping and fouls.

This reminds me of Game 1 against Chicago. Our slight fever-dream of hope burst with the cold sweat of mediocre reality.

EVERYTHING about the Celtics and Boston is dumb

Old Boston team will close us out before 4th quarter.. What an embarrassement!

How the hell can Celtics dominate us on fastbreak points?!?!?

I've never seen a coach whine this much with a 25 point lead. Is Doc sweatin' the stat sheet?

KG's epic shooting has destroyed our team's morale.

Rondo>>>>>>>>>>>>>;anyone on the 76rs and that's 100% fact

Garnett and Bill Belichick are both Satan

Celtics are just making fun of the sixers now, this is infuriating

The shooters roll really loves Boston tonight.

Just finish the game strongly and win Game 4, Philly is an excellent road team

We were 16-17 on the road this year

Doc Rivers wins the Whiny Little Bitch award tonight

Doc is going to have to work to find something to complain about in this one.

If they show the Boston bench one more time I'm going to throw up.

If I have to see those jokes Keyon Dooling and Marquis Daniels celebrate one more time I'm gonna off myself

Id rather watch every sex in the city episode along with the movies than watch Spencer hawes play basketball

You’ve gone too far. That second movie turns men to stone.

Spencer hawes’ play is proven to cause life time diarrhea

Anyone think we should go after kris humphries this offseason

No more white guys

Can someone please make a compilation GIF of all of Hawes’ bad plays tonight?

Why not just watch every minute he played, since it’s like the same thing.

We cant even pack the wells Fargo/Wachovia/spectrum w/e the hell they want to call it with sixers fans, I hear numerous Celtic fans

Anyone catch that roar by Pierce again?

he's a piece of crap

Seriously Paul Nobody gives a ratsass not even your teammates if you’re up by 25+ in the 4th.

Garnett complains even when he gets a foul call

Sigh...they have.... An inside presence. We have Hawes…

Celtics are trying to embrasse the sixers ,Pierce is walking like its his own home Someone should take a hard foul

Garnett is shooting just under 80% and rondo is being allowed to just do a warmup layup line on us...

How many wide open short jumpers has Turner missed? Sad that he's our future.

If I had a penny for every Celtic point, I’ll have a dollar and one cent.

Anybody hoping for an injury?  I know that was mean. The situation is similar with Chicago game. Why Celts had starters in make no sense

I never cheer for injuries.

Guess who’s going to be pumped in Game 4 guys? Your friendly favorite player Paul Pierce!

He deserves a forearm shiver

That will only get him more pumped

I hate the Celtics, scumbags the whole lot of them

I’m pretty sure JaJuan Johnson is a pretty nice person.

I don’t really mind anyone besides Marquis Daniels

The Celtics didn't beat us tonight. We beat ourselves

Oh come on man, don't start with that excuse. The Celtics destroyed us tonight. Not the refs, not ourselves, but the Celtics.

The amount of times that we shot above 40% in our last 11 games is pretty scary. Anyone want to take a guess off the top of the brain at the amount? The answer is twice. Twice, people. That's embarrassing.

Very impressed with rondo -it's just like o tonight I feel like turning it up and burning everyone. Dude is ridiculous

Even if we win this series we are not an A list team so Webber is right

That's a laugh. Win this series really? The 1st 2 games we're clearly flukes. Boston in 5.

I’m soooooo excited for the Celtics-Pacers Eastern Conference finalzzzzzzzzzz

The silver lining in losing this series is (well, I hope at least) I’ll never have to see his sorry ass play for this team again.

Sixers vs. Celtics: Statement Win Proves Boston Is Finally Focused

Source: Bleacher Report

The Boston Celtics have finally woken up.

After playing around for two games in their Conference Semi’s series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the giant has awaken, and the Miami Heat should be frightened.

Call Game 3’s 107-91 road trouncing a statement win, or just call it the night they decided to stop playing around. Throughout the season the ‘ole wily veterans always seemed to play at 80-percent speed.

That was perfectly fine in the regular season en route to getting the No. 4 seed and in the first round of the playoffs against the fraudulent Atlanta Hawks.

They thought they could get away with it again against a young 76er team. Despite falling behind by 15 in Game 1, they pulled it out at the end. So naturally they believed Game 2 would go the same way.

Yet after blowing it and surrendering home-court advantage, a wake-up call had been sent.

After looking sluggish once again in the first quarter of Game 3 and falling behind 33-28, Boston mauled Philly in the second quarter, outscoring them by 16 in the period. Their energy level was up, and they looked as efficient as we’ve seen them thus far in the playoffs.

That was essentially all she wrote as the two stars of the team showed why they are Hall of Fame bound. Kevin Garnett shot a blistering 12-of-17 from the floor en route to 27 points and 13 rebounds, certainly a strong bounce-back game after being called for an illegal screen in the waning moments of the Game 2 loss.

His defensive impact can’t be understated. When KG is on the court in this series, the 76ers are scoring 37 fewer points per 48 minutes and shooting 11 percentage points less from the field. Through three games, the Celtics are a whopping 47 points better when he is on the floor and minus-31 when he’s on the bench.

Oh by the way, Garnett turns 36 on Saturday.

Paul Pierce wasn’t far behind him, registering 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists while playing outstanding defense. He was a big reason Evan Turner went an abysmal 1-of-10 from the floor for the game.

Or how about Rajon Rondo, who is averaging just under 15 assists in the series?

The veterans are now exerting all their energy and have now re-gained the home court. They know the Eastern Conference is wide open and are aware this is the last season their big four will be together. The young Sixers don't stand a chance when they play like this.  

The time is now in Beantown, and finally the Celtics are playing like it.

Consider yourself warned, Miami. 

 

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.

Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com

Celtics Restore Order Over 76ers in Game 3: A Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers had learned that the Boston Celtics didn't make them look as overmatched as most expected. Sixers fans like myself were told that the Celtics' superstars and experience would overwhelm the younger, inexperienced, lucky eighth seed. But it didn't play that way in Boston, as the Sixers got a split and looked ready to take the lead going back to Philadelphia.

GameCenter: Sending a message

Source: ESPN Boston

PHILADELPHIA -- A look at ESPN Boston's Game 3 headlines, including how the Celtics sent a message after a disappointing Game 2 performance and a look at another dominating Kevin Garnett performance:

76ers Suddenly Fall Apart to Celtics in Game 3: A Fan's Recap (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers rode into Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on May 16 with a lot of momentum. Sixers fans like myself welcomed them back to Philadelphia after they split two close games with the Celtics, and nearly winning both of them. Considering the home court advantage they enjoyed against the Chicago Bulls, we thought that the Sixers had a real chance to keep it going and take command of another series.

Celtics find a fountain of youth in routing 76ers

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Nobody plays perfect, lockdown defense every night. It is unlikely, against any combination...

Celtics put old theory to rest

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Well, I definitely had that pegged wrong. I had the false impression that the Sixers were...

Boston Celtics Post Game Show: game 3 vs Sixers – NOW on-demand

Source: Celtics Late Night Show by CLNSRadio

Listen to internet radio with CLNSRadio on Blog Talk Radio   CLNS Radio has extended it’s season-long initiative to cover every Boston Celtics game. CLNS will have all your Celtics Playoff Post Game needs covered. The C’s are heading to Philadelphia for game 3 of the eastern semi-finals, versus the Philadelphia 76ers (join FB group), [...]

Amica Game Recap: Celtics 107, Sixers 91

Source: CSN Boston

Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn break down Boston's Game 3 victory over Philadelphia.

Paul Pierce Grinds It Out

Source: CelticsBlog by Jeff Clark

Paul Pierce doesn't want to make excuses.

Paul Pierce rebounds - and scores, too - The Boston Globe

Pierce said his sprained left knee was not a problem. "I’ve been feeling good all series,’’ he said. "I thought we really came out in the third quarter and established it early. We haven’t really had a

Random Rajon Rondo Set The Tone

Source: CelticsBlog by Jeff Clark

Chris Webber made a comment that for much of the night it didn't even seem like the Celtics were calling set plays. They were just getting the ball to Rondo and Kevin Garnett and going to work. That sounds to me like Doc let Rajon run the "random" set a lot more. Or perhaps Rondo was being more aggressive and efficient with it so Doc rode the hot streak. Either way, Rondo started the engine to the car that KG ran over the Sixers with.

More Praise For Kevin Garnett

Source: CelticsBlog by Jeff Clark

The well deserved praise for Kevin Garnett is starting to flow in.

Behind rejuvenated Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics take control against Philadelphia Sixers - Ian Thomsen - SI.com

Who is better than Kevin Garnett? The answer, when the question is framed to Garnett's newfound position, is nobody. Ever since the sidelining of Dwight Howard last month, Garnett

2012 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett Quietly Leading Celtics with Consistent Scoring

Source: Bleacher Report

Veteran forward/center Kevin Garnett has always been a fierce competitor that wants to win and is willing to put the work in for that to happen.

The former high school phenom is three days away from his 36th birthday but has been quietly leading the Boston Celtics during the playoffs in hopes of helping his team make another run at a possible NBA championship.

Ever since his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an 18 year old (coming directly out of high school), Garnett showed that he is indeed a special player that works and plays hard along with having the desire to win.

During his time with in Minnesota, Garnett made it only as far as the Western Conference Finals back in 2004, but never beyond.

Since being acquired by the Boston Celtics in 2007, Garnett has gotten a chance to experience success later on in his career by winning his first NBA championship back in 2008 with help from veterans Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, not to mention the play of point guard Rajon Rondo.

Garnett, Pierce, Allen—referred to as the Big Three—and Rondo are now looking to make another deep run, as this could be their last time being in such a situation. Both Garnett and Allen are free agents at the end of the season, and it is unsure what their plans will be, as both players are in the latter years of their basketball playing careers.

During the postseason, Garnett has been averaging 19.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as he splits time playing at both the power forward and center positions compared to 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game during 60 regular season appearances.

Garnett must know that his window for winning an NBA championship is on the decline, and he is focused more than ever to have another chance at success.

Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com

NBA Playoffs 2012: Why the Boston Celtics Won Game 3 over the Philadelphia 76ers

Source: Bleacher Report

With 1:10 to play in the first quarter, Paul Pierce drove the lane, rose up and threw down a vicious tomahawk dunk over the top of Thaddeus Young, letting out a primal scream in the process. It was at that point that you knew Pierce and the Boston Celtics meant business.

And that may be putting it lightly.

After a horrendous performance in their 82-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics rebounded in Game 3 Wednesday night with a dominant 107-91 drubbing of host Philadelphia to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

After Game 2, I wrote an article detailing 10 reasons why Boston lost and what it had to do to improve for the rest of the series.

Well, now I am going to bring back those 10 reasons and discuss how the C's remedied each of their problems in Game 3—a game in which Boston led Philadelphia by 27 at one point.

 

1. Not Enough Kevin Garnett

In Game 2, Garnett simply did not get the ball enough. He took only three shots in the first half, and it wasn't until the fourth quarter that Doc Rivers finally decided to get him involved in the offense. K.G. would score 11 points and 5-of-7 shooting in that final period, but it was too little, too late.

It was a different story in Game 3.

Garnett got the ball early and often on Wednesday night, dropping in 27 points—17 coming in the first half—off of 12-of-17 shooting. He also grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out four assists and was his usual dominant self on the defensive end.

Once again, the 76ers have absolutely no answer for Garnett. They have no one who can defend him one-on-one, and he proved that tonight with a series of mid-ranger jumpers, turnarounds, fadeaways and layups as he picked apart Philadelphia's frontline with precision.

If Rivers continues to run the offense through K.G. for the remainder of the series, I don't see the Sixers winning another game.

 

2. Too Much Brandon Bass

Bass led the Celtics in field goal attempts in Game 2, firing 15 shots and hitting on only five of them.

Well, he was reigned in in Game 3, taking only 10 shots and making five for an efficient 50 percent clip. Also, Bass was putting the ball on the floor instead of merely settling for mid-range jump shots.He also had a huge block on a Spencer Hawes-dunk attempt that led to a transition bucket for Boston.

Bass looked good in this one.

 

3. Avery Bradley's Shoulder

Bradley separated his shoulder (again) in the first half of Game 2 and proceeded to miss two quarters because of it.

It was a shame, because he was playing extremely well, and may have ended up being the difference had he not had to sit out half the game. Bradley really wasn't much of a factor offensively in Game 3 as he was held scoreless, but he did have a nice block and played some of his trademark great perimeter defense.

He only played 20 minutes, so that shoulder certainly got some much-needed rest.

 

4. Rajon Rondo's Decision-Making

Rondo made some questionable calls in Game 2, none more puzzling than his decision to fire up a jumper instead of passing to a wide open Ray Allen on the wing with Boston up one late in the game.

We saw none of that in Game 3, as Rondo put together what may have been his best performance of the postseason, thus far.

Rondo paced the Celtics early, scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone, getting to the basket at will and even draining a three-pointer. He finished with 23 points, 14 assists, and six boards and was absolutely brilliant in transition.

Rondo controlled the tempo of this game from start-to-finish and was an enormous factor in Boston's blowout victory.

 

5. Benching Mickael Pietrus

I questioned Rivers' decision to sit Pietrus after he knocked down two huge threes in the fourth quarter of Game 2. Well, Rivers must have felt that Pietrus had gotten his confidence back, as Doc played Pietrus big minutes in Game 3, and the reserve rewarded him with a big game.

Pietrus scored 13 off the bench, hitting on three of his four three-point tries.

Don't underestimate the significance of Pietrus getting his legs back underneath him. Ever since sustaining that concussion in Philly back in March, Pietrus has admittedly been playing scared. He looked great on Wednesday night, and that bodes extremely well for the future, as the C's need his production off the bench.

6. Poor Rebounding

After being out-rebounded 47-36 in Game 2, Boston finished with a 44-37 edge in Game 3.

 

7. Horrific Third Quarter

The Celtics scored only 11 points in the third quarter in Game 2.

In Game 3? They out-scored the 76ers 29-17 to build a 23-point lead heading into the fourth. Boston has been a good third quarter team all year long, so it's certainly looking like all of those missed shots on Monday night was an aberration.

 

8. End-of-Game Management

I called into question Rivers' decision to have Rondo foul down by one with 14.4 seconds remaining in Game 2, which reset the shot clock for the 76ers.

Obviously, no clock management was needed in the Celtics' 16-point Game 3 win.

 

9. Overconfidence

I think this is the biggest one.

I mentioned that Charles Barkley said at halftime in Game 2 that Boston didn't seem to respect Philadelphia and was just going through the motions.

Clearly, Monday night's loss resonated with the group, and the C's came out tonight with a purpose. The Sixers shot the lights out in the first quarter, but, after that, the Celtics took complete control and grabbed the game by the throat.

You have to think that Boston smells blood now and will come out with the same type of killer attitude in Game 4.

 

10. Paul Pierce is Playing Injured

Pierce put forth one of the weakest playoff performances of his career in Game 2, tallying only seven points and being a virtual non-factor on offense.

That wasn't the case at all in Game 3, as Rivers made it a point to get The Truth going from the get-go. He missed his first six shots, but he then proceeded to thrown down two angry slams en route to a 24-point, 12-rebound performance.

I said after Game 2 that I had a feeling Pierce would have a big game in Game 3, as he knew his team's back was against the wall and that he would have to step up.

Step up he did.

I'm not sure how exactly Pierce's knee is feeling right now, but this is the best he's looked since Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

 

Prediction

I really thought the Celtics should have won Game 2, and I think they did, too. I said after the game that I still thought they would win the series because they are simply better than the 76ers. They would just have to come out and demonstrate that.

Boston did that and more in Game 3, thoroughly trashing Philadelphia and perhaps ripping out their will in the process. During a timeout in the third quarter, Sixers coach Doug Collins was telling his dejected team not to keep their heads down because it was the playoffs.

I expect to see more of that the rest of the series. Why?

Because the Celtics smell blood.

Like I said coming into this series: Boston in five.

Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com

Mickael Pietrus finds his shot

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Mickael Pietrus' shooting, as Doc Rivers has so often stressed, is the gravy. The swingman's...

In same series, Celtics and Sixers battling different foes

Source: Boston.com

We're beginning to understand just who the Celtics, and who the Sixers, really are.

Thunder strike late to beat Lakers, Celtics win (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

(Reuters) - The Oklahoma City Thunder scored nine unanswered points in the final two minutes to edge the Los Angeles Lakers 77-75 on Wednesday and seize a 2-0 lead in their second-round playoff series. There was no late drama in the Eastern Conference, where the Boston Celtics trounced the Philadelphia 76ers 107-91 to move ahead 2-1 in their best-of-seven series. Although the 76ers lost by a bigger margin, it will be the Lakers who will probably be suffering more due to the manner of their loss. ...

Behind the Box Score, where the Lakers absolutely melted down the stretch (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder 77, Los Angeles Lakers 75 (Thunder lead series, 2-0) The Oklahoma City Thunder were down seven points in this contest with two minutes left to play, with just 68 points to their credit. And though we've seen comebacks that overcome that differential in even shorter amounts of time, given Los Angeles' defensive dominance for the first 46 minutes of the contest, who in their right mind thought the Thunder could outscore the Lakers by eight points over that final term, considering that they had to essentially pitch a shutout because of the waning seconds? Well, the Thunder managed one of the two. They pitched the shutout, but they didn't outscore Los Angeles by eight in the final two minutes. They outscored 'em by nine. The Thunder are championship-worthy, and the Lakers have their problems, but it's OK to be shocked at the way Los Angeles frittered away this contest.

Hurricane Garnett rips through Philly in Game 3

Source: CSN Boston

Kevin Garnett continues to play like he's in his mid 20's after another exceptional game for the Celtics. Garnett did it all -- offense, rebounding, defense -- in the C's win.

Paul Pierce overcomes injury, 76ers

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Long before anyone was in the gym last night, Paul Pierce shot alone. His eyes were locked on the...

Rajon Rondo attacks at will

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Hours before Rajon Rondo shredded the Philadelphia 76ers defense, Celtics coach Doc Rivers had a...

Celts land on the inside

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Maybe it's because our mind is in a constant state of dribble, but we always seem to hear a basketball...

Celtics paint pretty picture

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Paul Pierce, on his way to a 22-point, 11-rebound game, slashed to the basket midway through the...

Knee pain wasn't so Piercing

Source: ESPN Boston

Howard Smith/US PresswirePaul Pierce spent much of Game 3 hanging out around the rim.PHILADELPHIA -- The cynic will wonder if maybe Celtics coach Doc Rivers was just baiting us all. Or maybe he was just trying to use a little reverse psychology on his captain. Either way, during Boston's morning shootaround on Wednesday, Rivers talked about how Paul Pierce couldn't get himself open any more while battling a sprained MCL in his left knee and said the Celtics might have to alter their offense to get him more clean looks.

Celtics Dismantle Sixers in Game 3: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

After a pair of one-point games to start the series, the Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series. After allowing 33 first quarter points, the Celtics held the Sixers to 33 combined points over the next two quarters to build a lead as large as 27. Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined for 74 points as the Celtics rolled to the 107-91 win.

NBA Playoff Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Kevin Durant scored 22 points and rattled in the go-ahead basket on a baseline runner with 18 seconds left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder scored the final nine points to rally for a 77-75 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday night.

Celtics send message to Sixers with statement win

Source: CSN Boston

The Boston Celtics looked a bit vulnerable during Game 2's loss to the Sixers, but they stormed into Philadelphia and stomped all over the Sixers Wednesday night. That was their goal, and they succeeded.

Rajon Rondo: Shooting, Improving for the Boston Celtics

Source: Bleacher Report

The 76ers were scraped off the floor Wednesday night by inexorable Celtics play, play that was fueled in large part by Rajon Rondo (23 points, 14 assists, one turnover). He was scintillating from the outset, attacking from all angles, taking the layups he sometimes passes up. In totality it was a smothering offensive performance for the defensively stingy C's. 

Even competent offense has not always been easy to come by for Boston. Since Rondo joined the team, they've only once finished top-10 in offensive efficiency, and this year they lagged at 24th in the league. With few players who can drive to force fouls, the Celtics have often had to rely on the whims of long, contested jump shots. 

While the hyper-creative point guard creates many opportunities for teammates, his reluctance and occasional inability to shoot can be a drag on their attack. Teams don't have to switch on pick-and-rolls, because they can just go under on screens where Rondo's the ball-handler. Since they don't fear his shot, there is no need to chase him around a pick. If he's not looking to drive, there is every reason to devote full coverage to the pick-setter. Possessions can often dwindle with the shot clock beckoning, after multiple Celtics pick-and-rolls. 

But not tonight, and as far as Rondo goes, not in these playoffs. 

Doc Rivers has been encouraging his point guard to shoot more, and despite the occasional avoided layup, this "pass-first" creator has been slinging in the postseason. As someone who has often carped about his reluctance to chuck, it's been a thrilling transformation. Rondo is averaging 16.5 field-goal attempts in the playoffs, significantly above his regular season average of 10.8. Of course, he's been playing more minutes, but adjusting for that adds a little over one shot per game. 

Boston's offense has been balky at times, but I put more of that on Paul Pierce's equally balky knee than on the Rondo field-goal explosion. For his part, Rajon's been killing it. Through eight games, he's posting career-high averages in PER, win shares and wins produced—aggregate advanced statistics that don't always agree on what's importance. 

Most promisingly—and there was another example in this game—Rondo is hitting .333 percent of his three-point attempts this postseason. It's a small sample size and a pedestrian mark, but it could presage a more complete game. Shooting is a skill that tends to improve as players age, as close followers of Jason Kidd's career may not be surprised to hear. As it stands, Rondo runs a nice pick-and-roll with Kevin Garnett. If he develops an outside shot and continues to "be aggressive" (as every NBA player puts it)? His value could ascend past Jason Kidd in prime years. 

When people talk about Rondo's game, they often refer to "the good Rondo" versus "the bad Rondo." It's often used to draw a dichotomy between the Rondo who controls the game like a puppeteer and the Rondo who fades out of the action. I think we'll see more of the former if Rondo keeps shooting. 

Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com

Celtics rout 76ers to seize series lead (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Kevin Garnett scored 27 points while Paul Pierce added 24 and Rajon Rondo had 23 as Boston cruised past Philadelphia 107-91 to grab the lead in their NBA playoff series.

2012 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule for Thursday, May 17 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The 2012 NBA Playoffs schedule for Thursday, May 17 will feature two games. On May 16, the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder each moved one step towards the next round with wins over their respective opponents. Which of these four teams playing on Thursday will win the next game of their respective series?

Sixers can't match Celtics' determination (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

After splitting a pair of one-point games with the Celtics in Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers liked their chances in Game 3. They were coming home knowing they could have easily won both in Beantown.

Celtics' Pietrus returns to scene of injury (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Mickael Pietrus admitted it wasn't an average trip to Philadelphia when the Boston Celtics played the 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday night. The Celt swingman still had some emotions running through him because of the concussion he suffered in his last game at Wells Fargo Center back on March 23.

Game 3: Celtics/76ers postgame interviews

Source: Celtics Life

Celtics-Sixers Game 3 review: C's respond

Source: CSN Boston

Prior to Game 3, A. Sherrod Blakely broke down everything to watch out for. Now, he returns with how they all played out after the Celtics torched the Sixers in Philadelphia.

Celtics overwhelm 76ers 107-91 to go up 2-1 in series (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PHILADELPHIA - The first two games of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers were wrestling matches.

Game 3: Celtics 107, 76ers 91 highlights

Source: Celtics Life

Box Score after the jump.

Starters	Pos	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
R. Rondo(notes)	G	40:44	9-16	1-3	4-4	+15	1	6	14	1	0	0	0	0	23
A. Bradley(notes)	G	20:09	0-2	0-1	0-0	+8	0	1	1	1	0	1	0	3	0
K. Garnett(notes)	C	30:12	12-17	0-0	3-5	+27	0	13	4	1	1	0	0	3	27
P. Pierce(notes)	F	36:34	6-17	1-3	11-14	+13	5	12	4	0	3	0	3	3	24
B. Bass(notes)	F	26:52	5-10	0-0	0-0	+21	1	5	1	1	1	1	2	1	10

Bench	Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
Totals		40-77	5-11	22-28		7	44	26	7	6	6	7	19	107
Percentages		.519	.455	.786		Team Rebounds: 11
R. Allen(notes)	25:26	1-1	0-0	1-2	+11	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	3
M. Pietrus(notes)	24:10	4-8	3-4	2-2	+8	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	13
R. Hollins(notes)	16:01	1-4	0-0	1-1	-15	0	0	0	1	0	3	1	4	3
K. Dooling(notes)	7:16	1-1	0-0	0-0	+1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
G. Stiemsma(notes)	4:03	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
E. Moore(notes)	2:51	1-1	0-0	0-0	-3	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	2	2
M. Daniels(notes)	2:51	0-0	0-0	0-0	-3	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
S. Pavlovic(notes)	2:51	0-0	0-0	0-0	-3	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0

Best & Worst: Celtics 107, Sixers 91

Source: CSN Boston

The Best and Worst moments and happening from the Celtics big win over the Sixers in Game 3.

Celtics show 76ers how it's done on the road

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Their old legs may still cost the Boston Celtics this series against the younger, fresher Sixers....

Celtics top 76ers 107-91 in Game 3 for 2-1 lead

Source: Boston Herald

PHILADELPHIA - Kevin Garnett scored 27 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and used a dominant second quarter to help...

NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett Continues to Turn Back the Clock for the Celtics

Source: Bleacher Report

Kevin Garnett has been the best big man in the playoffs so far, and at his best, he has been arguably the best player in the playoffs.

Along the way, doubters have pointed to Garnett's age as an indication he can't dominate, but KG has proved these doubters wrong.

Tonight, he silenced the critics yet again, with another throwback 27-point, 13-rebound performance on 12-of-17 shooting with four assists and a steal. This performance comes on the heels of a great fourth quarter by the Big Ticket in Game 2.

In fact, in the past five quarters, Garnett has scored 38 points on 17-of-24 shooting.

These five quarters have been no fluke though. During the postseason, KG is averaging a little over 20 points and 11 rebounds a game. Not only is Garnett just putting up big scoring numbers, his scoring has been as efficient as anyone, as he's shooting 55.1 percent during the playoffs.

If we look at all nine games he has played in the playoffs, he has had three MVP-like performances, with 27-, 28- and 29-point games. He also has two great games with 20 points, three solid games with 15 or more points and just one game that could be considered below average in which he scored just 13 points.

That one "bad" game came in a blowout win for the Celtics, where Garnett did not need to play a lot of minutes or shoot much. In fact, he shot 6-of-8 from the floor in that game. So really, KG has yet to have a bad game in these playoffs. How many other players can you say that about?

With KG, it's not all about scoring and rebounding. His most important contribution on the floor every night is his defense.

Defense is hard to measure quantitatively, especially for an individual player, but for KG, a good gauge is the total of points the Celtics give up. This is a good way to calculate it because Garnett is really the defensive captain for the C's, and he dictates how the defense and rotations are run.

Considering the Celtics have held their opponents to less than 90 points in every game but one in these playoffs, I would say that Garnett has done a pretty solid job running the defense. 

For the Celtics, KG has been the MVP on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. He is playing like it's 2004 again and giving the Celtics new life in these playoffs. Despite what doubters will likely continue to say, Garnett can continue to dominate on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis and will continue to do so until the final bell sounds on the Celtics' season.

And with the way he is playing, the final bell on the Celtics' season could be followed by another "anything is possible" moment from the Big Ticket. 

Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com

Celtics Take Care of Business by Beating the Sixers in Game 3, 107-91

Source: Celtics Late Night Show by Sean Bakke

Tonight was the game that Celtics fans have been waiting for. After one point finishes in the first two games of the series, your Boston Celtics put together as complete a game as possible to convincingly beat the Philadelphia 76ers 107-91. Kevin Garnett continued his throwback play, putting up another double-double of 27 points and [...]

Video: Paul Pierce talks about Game 3 win, says knee feels fine

Source: Boston.com

Celtics captain Paul Pierce talked about winning Game 3 over the 76ers Wednesday night in Philadelphia and said his knee felt just fine in a 24-point effort.