In a Series of Inches, a Game 5 Win Could Go a Long Way
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May 12, 2009
BOSTON -- They say baseball is a game of inches, but that old adage could hold true for hoops as well.
A toe on the line could cost you a point or a possession. An inch more arc on a jumper and you could be the hero with a game-winner. Let the ball go with a little less, you'll be eating leather and the man who rejected your attempt will be going to the interview room while you're trapped at your locker surrounded by sportswriters.
Glen "Big Baby" Davis and his Boston Celtics proved that in Orlando on Sunday. Davis' 21-foot game-winner just cleared Rashard Lewis' fingertips and grazed the front of the rim, scooted across and bumped gently against the back before falling through, barely making the net ripple.
But that tiny ripple unleashed a tidal wave of emotions from both sides in this tightly contested series. Faced with the prospect of a devastating 3-1 series deficit, Davis' dagger tied the series at two games apiece. As Davis ran up the court and mean-mugged with his mentor and the man he replaced in the lineup, Kevin Garnett, Celtics coach Doc Rivers nearly added a third vent to his suit coat as he threw a fist pump that could have KO'ed a heavyweight.
Meanwhile, the Magic didn't take too kindly to the Celtics' (completely) rational exuberance. Dwight Howard could be seen frowning at the scene, and moments later Magic coach Stan Van Gundy placed the blame on his shoulders.
Tuesday night, one of the teams can take control of the series with a win in Game 5 (8 ET). Dating back to the start of their title run last season, the Celtics have won all three of their Game 5s at home.
Here are five things to watch for in tonight's game.
1. Fast start
By the middle of the third quarter of Game 1, the Magic sprinted to a 28-point lead. They would need all of that cushion as the Celtics stormed back, cutting the lead to three points with 6.6 seconds left on a Paul Pierce 3-pointer. Orlando hung on for a 95-90 win.
Van Gundy was pleased with the win, but chagrined with the last 16 minutes of the game. He was afraid it would carry over to Game 2. He proved prophetic as the Celtics routed the Magic, 112-94. Orlando looked out of it from the get-go.
Orlando will need to start fast not only to stanch any momentum and confidence the Celtics may have from Game 4, but the Magic also need to keep the Boston faithful out of the game. Once the Celtics started to roll late in Game 1, the TD Banknorth Garden crowd did not let up. Orlando can't afford to have Boston's sixth man have an effect.
2. Allen on track
Ray Allen had many moments of brilliance against Chicago in the first round, but those moments have been rare against Orlando.
Give the Magic credit. First, J.J. Redick did a nice job of hounding the Celtics' sharpshooter, while Courtney Lee has taken over the task in the last two games. Allen is running them through screens, but they've stuck to him like gum on a summer shoe.
Getting Allen on track could help turn the tide for the Celtics, who are in dire need of a third option behind Rajon Rondo and Pierce. Allen is only 18-for-53 this series and hasn't hit a 3-pointer since Game 2. Allen says he cares only about wins and not his shots falling, but if his shots fall, the Celtics usually win.
3. Boston's bench
After spurring a comeback in Game 1 and riding Eddie House's explosion in Game 2, the Boston bench went on vacation in Orlando as the Celtics only got two -- TWO -- points from the bench on Sunday.
Doc Rivers had trouble trusting the bench throughout the Chicago series. It's easy to see why he may be hesitant to turn to them again. The Celtics need more from their reserves to survive Game 5.
4. More Alston
Rafer Alston, acquired on Feb. 19 to take the place of the injured Jameer Nelson, hasn't given the Magic much this series. After going 3-for-11 in each of the first two games, Alston was suspended for Game 3 for smacking House on the back of the head in Game 2.
His return for Game 4 didn't do much for the Magic. He went 1-for-7 from the field and had a meager two assists. Suffice it to say, that's not an adequate performance from your starting point guard.
Part of getting the Magic off to a fast start tonight is Alston starting quickly and well. If the Celtics and Rondo dictate the tempo, it could be a long night.
5. Coaching
Van Gundy took the blame for the loss in Game 4, saying his players executed his plan to a T. Van Gundy was too hard on himself. Davis just made the shot. And if it happened that way again, the Magic would be pleased to give Davis another 21-footer to win the game.
Still, Van Gundy has a tough adversary on the opposite sidelines. Doc Rivers and his staff have been in a ton of close games this postseason and it seems that they've always had another great play in the playbook for a last-second win.
Trusting Davis to win it was a huge leap of faith that paid off. That instills confidence in everyone on the team. The big question is, can it carry over to Game 5?
