Prior to game 2 of the NBA Finals, Doc Rivers talked about not making drastic adjustments to their Finals’ game plan. The tape from Game 1 didn’t lie and it was pretty simple for what the C’s needed to do in Game 2–more energy, more aggressiveness and push the tempo. The Celtics did just that with their PG paving the way.
Right out of the gates, the Celtics showed a mindset of greater energy and a higher level of aggressiveness. We even saw it from their coach, when Rivers ran sprinted out onto the floor to call a timeout in the 2nd half to avoid the 8-second backcourt call. The Celtics attacked on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor; they were proactive versus being reactive in game 1. Most notably, was the high energy play of Rajon Rondo and even bench player Glenn Davis. Often times, these two were the ones to get to majority of loose balls, and Davis was quite the factor on the offensive boards. Although Davis doesn’t always seem to finish around the basket, due to his slender height not weight, he was a constant nuisance. However, there was no bigger factor on the floor for the Lakers, than Rondo, as we saw with his triple double. Although Allen had a remarkable day from beyond the arc, Rondo was the difference in so many of the intangible ways.
What I probably loved the most about the Celtics play on Sunday was there insistence on running the basketball. They fast breaked often, on mades and misses, and really put the Lakers on their heels. In the first half, their constant pushing of the ball got open looks for Ray Allen, which gave the Celtics a large early lead. I would argue that they slowed down the ball too much down the stretch and should have continued to push the ball, but they came away with the victory nonetheless. I am not sure if they were getting tired, but they should have continued to push.
I would imagine we will see Phil Jackson and the Lakers try to combat the up-tempo style the Celtics were imploring in Game 2 when both teams tip-off on Tuesday for Game 3. Not to mention, I would imagine Jackson will try using Brown more on Rondo versus Derrick Fisher or Kobe Bryant. Both Fisher and Bryant struggled with guarding Rondo in Game 2, and Brown’s athleticism and size is a better matchup against Rondo for the Lakers. However, Brown’s extended play will help the C’s defensively as there won’t be as many shooters surrounding Kobe, Gasol and Bynum with Fisher not getting as much time.
