I've calmed down a lot since last night, which really angered me, and I'm little closer now to the "its only one game" mentality. That said, game 4 is now a HUGE game with regards to what I think about this teams championships chances. If they lay another egg, especially from an effort and cohesion standpoint, I'll be ready to rethink this teams ceiling. If they lose? Well, then its game on for the series and thoughts about anything championship related are out the window......at least for now. A few other thoughts after some time to reflect.....
Why are the big three playing so few minutes? They've been resting now for about six weeks......why did Pierce only play 36 minutes and Garnett and Allen 41? I see no reason why in a game like that all three of them couldn't log 45. Same goes for Rondo, especially when it was painfully obvious Cassell had absolutely nothing. I would have played Eddie House as backup point guard in the playoffs rather than Cassell, but thats a topic for a different thread.
Its time to ratchet down the trash talking just a bit. The bench, especially James Posey, spent the majority of the first quarter taunting the fans, then the whole lot of them were trash when they entered the game. Same goes for Pierce and Garnett. I know talking trash has been their M.O. all year, but there is a fine line between trash talking and focusing on something other than the task at hand. When you get down in the playoffs its time to shut your mouth and get some stops. That didn't happen last night.
The shot clock fiasco was an embarrassment of epic proportions for the NBA last night. The guy in charge of counting down the clock was some PA clown that works for the Hawks. He didn't have a clue. The whole scene was something you would expect at your local Y, not a billion dollar corporation like the NBA. And Violet Palmer shouldn't be anywhere near an NBA playoff game unless she purchases a ticket.
Rivers had panic in his eyes last night, and I for one was not happy about it. It was one game for sure, but he didn't do his team any favors by his body language. All season long he has acted like a rock on the sidelines, last night he losing his religion and waving his arms all over the place like a lunatic. Calm down and coach your team like have all season. Stuff like that matters.
The C's need to think about double teaming Al Horford in the post. Right or wrong, Horford has a TON of confidence playing against the C's five. When Perkins was guarding him he screamed "this guy can't guard me" like seven times. Last night he was right.......an adjustment might be in order.
C's need to get back to their roots, their foundation in game four.......defend defend defend. Nothing else really matters. Paul Pierce playing the "I ain't got no hero complex" role was concerning, but it wouldn't have mattered if they defended like they did for 82 games in the regular season. He Hawks stand no chance if the C's can sprint back on defense and force the Hawks into a half court game. None.
Game four is going to be veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery interesting. Bring it.