The Big 3 Have Life

Just when we thought that it was over, the Celtics have done it again. After beginning the season 14-10, trade rumors flooded the city of Boston as most believed that the "Big 3" were done as a group. After all, Paul Pierce is 34, Kevin Garnett will soon turn 36, and Ray Allen is almost 37. "Trade them while you can still get value," some said. But Danny Ainge knows that the Boston Celtics organization is built upon loyalty. Paul Pierce, the most valuable at the this point of the big 3, has been with the team for nearly 15 years. He just recently became the 2nd leading scorer in franchise history, trailing only Larry Bird. Trading Pierce wasn't an option. Ray Allen was almost traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo and a pick, but the trade fell through at the last moment.

Yet, here we are, just a couple of days into the 2012 NBA playoffs, and the Celtics are back for one final run. The Celtics were embarrassed in game 1 against the Hawks, trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half. Not to mention Rajon Rondo was ejected from the game in the 4th quarter for arguing a foul call and then bumped into the official, meriting not only the automatic ejection, but a suspension for game 2. Nobody gave the Celtics a chance in game 2. No Rondo, no Ray Allen due to injury, and Pierce & Garnett played one of the worst playoff games in game 1, that we have seen since the group joined forces back in 2008. But that is why they play the game ladies and gentlemen.

This leads me back to my original point: the Celtics have done it again. Facing a large level of adversity, Paul Pierce put together a brilliant performance that included 36 points and 14 rebounds leading the Celtics 2nd half comeback and a game 2 victory. Kevin Garnett added 15 points, and 13 boards. Things are looking up for the Celtics. The series is now tied at 1 game a piece heading back to Boston. Rajon Rondo will be back for game 3 from suspension and it has been reported that Ray Allen is likely to play as well. Don't forget what is happening in the Chicago-Philadelphia series. With no Derrick Rose, the 76ers have life. If the Celtics were to get through the first round, they would face either a Chicago team without Derrick Rose, or the 8th seeded Philadelphia 76ers. No longer would the Celtics have to face the Bulls at full strength.

This is the last run for the Celtics with this unit. That is pretty clear. With the way things are shaping up, a run back to the Eastern Conference Finals is very achievable. All they need is a few things to go their way. Oh and don't forget, if the Celtics were to matchup against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, they would be pretty confident. Boston beat Miami both times the two teams met in the regular season. Watch out for the Boston Celtics folks. The Big 3 may not be done, just yet.


--GM