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Post by quagmire on Sept 7, 2020 13:31:59 GMT -5
Big big game today!! Let’s talk about that and put the Fierce/Petey debate on the back burner.
I think we find out today how mentally tough these C’s are! Hope they play within themselves and not like a bunch of individuals trying to do to much! Already gave my prediction; Celtics 111-93.
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 13:41:05 GMT -5
For those who say we are going 7 games is there positive in me saying well at least we’ll get one more win! Only joking. Trying to be light as I am a bit anxious about coming game and a nice 10+ pt lead most of the game I would not find boring! If Celts start hot and dominate the 1st qtr. then it will be game over for Toronto. But if the Celts start the way they did in Game 4, Celts will most likely lose.
Sounds like you're hedging ... what happened to best case for Raps is 2 wins?
According to that prediction the C's should win next two for you to be somewhat right.
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 14:39:06 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 15:13:45 GMT -5
Preview: Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors Round 2 Game #5 9/7/20The Celtics look to swing momentum back in their direction as they take on the Raptors in Game 5.By flceltsfan
Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
The Celtics enter Game 5 after being outworked by the Raptors in Game 4. After going up 2-0, the Raptors looked defeated and the Celtics looked poised for a sweep. Then they slacked off on defense for just 5 tenths of a second in Game 3 and the momentum of the series changed. In Game 4, the Raptors looked energized and the Celtics looked lethargic and tired and now the series is tied and the Raptors have all the momentum.
The Raptors are 7-2 in Game 5’s all time when the series is tied 2-2. The Celtics are 32-13 in Game 5’s all time when the series is tied 2-2. The Celtics had vowed to come out strong in Game 4 and reclaim the momentum, but instead, they looked a step slow the entire game and they struggled to hit open shots, hitting just 20% of their 3 pointers. They also struggled on defense and allowed the Raptors to take 37 open 3’s of which they hit 38.6%.
Both teams are relying on their starters and had key starters play more than 40 minutes in Game 4. Brad Stevens played 9 players while Nick Nurse played 7 with an 8th playing just 3 minutes. Kyle Lowry played over 46 minutes in Game 3 and came back to play almost 44 minutes in Game 4. In both games, he willed his team to get the win.
The Raptors are a very tough team and they play hard on every possession. The Celtics need to keep in the back of their minds the fact that the Raptors were down 0-2 to the Bucks last season and came back to beat the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. They are not going to lay down and so the Celtics are going to have to take this series with effort and toughness.
Gordon Hayward was reported to have returned to the bubble on Sunday but is not ready to return and will likely miss the rest of this series. Javonte Green is still out with the knee injury and Vincent Poirier is still out for the birth of his child. Patrick McCaw (knee) and Oshae Brissett (knee) remain out for the Raptors.
Probable Celtics Starters
PG: Kemba Walker SG: Marcus Smart SF: Jaylen Brown PF: Jayson Tatum C: Daniel Theis
Celtics Reserves Carsen Edwards Semi Ojeleye Brad Wanamaker Grant Williams Enes Kanter Romeo Langford Robert Williams Tacko Fall Tremont Waters
Injuries/NWT Javonte Green (knee) out Gordon Hayward (ankle) out Victor Poirier (personal) out
Head Coach Brad Stevens
Probable Raptors Starters
PG: Kyle Lowry SG: Fred VanVleet SF: OG Anunoby PF: Pascal Siakam C: Marc Gasol
Raptors Reserves Chris Boucher Terence Davis Dewan Hernandez Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Serge Ibaka Stanley Johnson Malcolm Miller Norman Powell Matt Thomas Paul Watson
Injuries Oshae Brissett (knee) out Patrick McCaw (knee) out
Head Coach Nick Nurse
Key Matchups
Kemba Walker vs Kyle Lowry Kyle Lowry has willed his team to win their last 2 games. He has played the hardest and most minutes of any player on either team. On Saturday he finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists and shot 40% from beyond the arc. Kemba Walker took just 9 shots on Saturday and has vowed to be more assertive in this game and the Celtics will need that from him. The Celtics must slow Lowry down as the team takes its lead from him.
Marcus Smart vs Fred VanVleet In Game 1, the Celtics held VanVleet to just 11 points, shooting just 18.8% from the field and 18.2% on 3’s. He played a little better in Game 2 with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. In Game 3, he found his shot and finished with 25 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists. In Game 4, he finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and shot 45.5% from beyond the arc. Marcus Smart was a difference maker on both ends of the court in Games 1 and 2. But, he struggled in Games 3 and 4, shooting just 25% in Game 4. Smart needs to once again become a difference maker for the Celtics to win this one.
Honorable Mention
Jaylen Brown vs Pascal Siakam Brown has been the primary defender on Siakam for this series. In Games 1, 2 and 3 he kept Siakam from making any difference for the Raptors to the point where Raptors fans were ready to cut him. Jaylen has also been a difference maker on the offensive end through the first 3 games. In Game 4, however, Jaylen struggled on both ends of the court. Siakam finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists and shot 43.5% from the field. Jaylen had just 14 points and shot 22% from the field and 18% from beyond the arc. For the Celtics to win, they need Jaylen Brown to get back to playing like he did in the first 3 games.
Robert Williams vs Serge Ibaka Ibaka is the main player off the Raptors bench. He played 22 minutes in Game 4 and finished with 18 points, and 7 rebounds. He shot 77.8% from the field and 100% (4-4) from beyond the arc. He played well on both ends of the court. Robert Williams has played well for the Celtics so far and although he won’t put up big numbers and isn’t a threat from the outside, he does make a difference on defense. He must keep Ibaka from having another big game in this one.
Keys to the Game
Defense Defense is always a key to winning and especially so in this series. Both the Celtics and Raptors pride themselves on playing tough lock down defense. The Raptors have been able to throw different defensive looks at the Celtics and it has thrown them off somewhat. In Game 3, half a second of bad defense by the Celtics changed the whole feel of the series. In Game 4, the Celtics struggled on the defensive end, allowing the Raptors to shoot 38.6% from beyond the arc while the Raptors held them to 20%. The Celtics must make defense a priority and especially defend the Raptors in transition. They must start the game with tough defense and not let up until the final buzzer.
Rebound Much of rebounding is effort and desire. The Celtics have won the rebounding battle in all but one of their games against the Raptors this season. The out rebounded the Raptors 45-41 on Saturday but the key number is that Toronto had 8 offensive rebounds that they turned into 24 second chance points. The Celtics had just 12 second chance points. They have to work harder to grab rebounds and to convert those rebounds into points. When the Celtics put out extra effort on the boards, it usually carries over into other parts of their game.
Move the Ball Carefully The Celtics had just 18 assists as a team on Saturday while the Raptors had 23 assists. The Celtics are best when they move the ball and find the open man and play as a team. As they got frustrated on Saturday, we saw too much hero ball as each player tried to hit the home run. They need to play as a team and share the ball. But they also need to take care of the ball as they have committed more turnovers than the Raptors in each of the first 4 games.
Focus and Effort The Celtics were out worked in Game 4 and they were a step slow the entire game. The Raptors made most of the 50-50 plays and hustled more on both ends of the court. The Raptors just wanted it more. Also, the Celtics did not seem focused. They missed 5 of 21 open threes and shot just 20% from beyond the arc for the game. They also missed 7 free throws, which is a sign that their focus was not there. They need to come into this game focused and ready to out work the Raptors and be the more aggressive team on both ends of the court.
The 3 Point Game The Celtics’ 3 points percentage has steadily gone down through the first 4 games from 44% to 40% to 31% to 20%. On the other hand, the Raptors’ 3 point percentage has gone up from 25% to 38% to 33% to 39%. In their last 2 wins, the Raptors has had 4 players shoot over 40% from beyond the arc while the only Kemba (4-7) and Semi (1-1) were above 40% in Game 3 and Brad Wanamaker (1-2) was above 40% in Game 4. The Celtics have to be focused on making their 3’s if they want the momentum to turn back in their direction.
X-Factors
Coaching - The playoffs are like a chess match with each coach having to make adjustments and then having to adjust to the other teams’ adjustments. In Games 3 and 4, Nick Nurse was the coach to make the winning adjustments. Brad Stevens has to find a way to counter the zone defenses that have given the Celtics problems and he needs to find a way to get his team focused and playing better defense.
Momentum - The Celtics had the momentum going their way after winning the first two games. They were half a second from an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the series and then one shot swung the momentum Toronto’s way. They road that momentum to a win in Game 4. Now the Celtics must find a way to dig down deep and play harder and more focused than the Raptors to get the momentum back in their direction.
Officiating - Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. It’s hard to tell how a crew will call the game. They could call it tight or they could let them play. They could try to extend the series or call it straight. The Celtics struggled with foul trouble in Game 4 and they need to try to avoid fouling, especially early in the game. None of the refs for this game stand out as either good or bad other than the fact that Kane Fitzgerald is the only ref to eject LeBron. However it is called, the Celtics will need to adapt and not allow the refs to take them out of their game and affect their focus.
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:26:18 GMT -5
You're the admin, you can always do a fact check. Here:celticshomecourt.freeforums.net/thread/2715/rd2-gm4-celtics-raptors-30pm?page=8Fierce, this is a BostonHomeCourt posting page. I don't want to make a deal with you on here. I'm sorry but I don't take this stuff that seriously because WE ARE NOT PLAYING THE GAMES OR GETTING PAID. Again, our debate was not the number of games, it was your prediction that the Celtics would have no problem with Toronto.
Like I said from the beginning, this is going to be a tough series. I felt it would go 7 but, honestly, I just want the Celtics to win 4 games.
I couldn't care less about a made basket with 0.5 seconds left in game 3. The bottom line is the Celtics are having huge problems with Toronto.
And, as for game 2, let's not act like we blew them out decidedly. We've had 4 good round two playoff games against the defending champs.
That's all that is going on right now and I anticipate 3 more tough ones to come with the Celtics getting 2 of those wins.
Ok but you said the following:
5) Guess we'll just have to wait a week or so to find out.
The Heat we will most likely NOT meet in the playoffs.
I just don't see the Heat beating the Bucks.
Toronto just doesn't scare me.
Lowry and Siakam are good, but they're not that good. > celticshomecourt.freeforums.net/post/98025/thread
6) All I can say is, if we're facing the Heat, instead of the Bucks, in the east finals then we're going to the Finals!
Quite a few "inaccuracies" there but you asked for them ...
I was wrong about the Heat. But that has nothing to do with Pete. The issue here is you said Pete won which clearly isn't true. Again, only way Pete wins is if the Celts win in 7 games. If this series does not reach Game 7 then I win.
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:27:39 GMT -5
If Celts start hot and dominate the 1st qtr. then it will be game over for Toronto. But if the Celts start the way they did in Game 4, Celts will most likely lose.
Sounds like you're hedging ... what happened to best case for Raps is 2 wins?
According to that prediction the C's should win next two for you to be somewhat right.
Yes, Cs should win the next 2 games. But if Jaylen and Kemba still have not gotten over that miracle shot then Celts will lose the next 2 games. Again, there will be no Game 7 like Pete predicted.
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:34:36 GMT -5
Also, Toronto has never gotten 20 offensive rebounds against the Celts, that's a fact!
Even if the Celts lost Game 4, the Celts still won the rebounding battle 45-41.
Celts won the rebounding battle in all 4 games so far.
Clearly the Celts have size advantage over this Toronto team.
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Post by petey62 on Sept 7, 2020 17:44:04 GMT -5
Aight Celtics, let's put together a full 48. Our individual talent has to come to the forefront tonight.
We need to start out aggressive and play aggressive throughout.
If we're in a good position at halftime, we MUST win the 3rd quarter.
If we can put together a great 3rd quarter, I think that'll give us the confidence to finish (fully) the 4th quarter.
Let's go Celtics.
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Post by hedleylamarr on Sept 7, 2020 17:50:50 GMT -5
LET'S GO!!
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Post by sfbosfan on Sept 7, 2020 17:54:54 GMT -5
Smart and shooting 3s not a good formula.
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:54:57 GMT -5
Great start by Kemba and Jaylen.
Toronto not a problem so far.
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 17:54:59 GMT -5
Finally. Smart keeping lowry on check. Finally a strong start
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:55:41 GMT -5
Smart and shooting 3s not a good formula. As long as his attempts are limited, it's a good formula.
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 17:56:03 GMT -5
Aight Celtics, let's put together a full 48. Our individual talent has to come to the forefront tonight. We need to start out aggressive and play aggressive throughout. If we're in a good position at halftime, we MUST win the 3rd quarter. If we can put together a great 3rd quarter, I think that'll give us the confidence to finish (fully) the 4th quarter. Let's go Celtics. you made it on time!! You got some pressure on this board. Only thing missing is a gps!!! 😬😁
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 17:57:06 GMT -5
Defense hasn't taken a day off ...
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Post by sfbosfan on Sept 7, 2020 17:57:07 GMT -5
Aight Celtics, let's put together a full 48. Our individual talent has to come to the forefront tonight. We need to start out aggressive and play aggressive throughout. If we're in a good position at halftime, we MUST win the 3rd quarter. If we can put together a great 3rd quarter, I think that'll give us the confidence to finish (fully) the 4th quarter. Let's go Celtics. Yup, even if we are up 10...wishing...need a strong 3rd Qtr up the same 10 or more. Could pressure them making wild shots no being able to cut into our lead.
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Post by fierce on Sept 7, 2020 17:57:46 GMT -5
Kemba blocks Lowry.
Wow!
You know the opposing team is small when our midget gets a block!
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 17:58:22 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 17:59:05 GMT -5
Smart three over the zone ...
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Post by sfbosfan on Sept 7, 2020 17:59:37 GMT -5
Oh my GOD ...I apologize Smart for mocking your 3s
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2020 18:00:19 GMT -5
14-5 Celtics ... 7 minutes into it.
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 18:00:22 GMT -5
Oh my GOD ...I apologize Smart for mocking your 3s it happens. As long as he plays D, I dont mind
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 18:01:21 GMT -5
I like this. Tor looks confused
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 18:03:16 GMT -5
Siakam is class act.
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Post by Cabutan on Sept 7, 2020 18:04:16 GMT -5
Nasty dunk by jb
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