We have the heart of a champion, but do we have a killer instinct

[Rondo2287]

Celts have willed themselves to this point, out played the Heat for the past 4 games and have put themselves in a position to close out the series in less than 7 games.  Everybody is talking about how the Celtics have the heart of a champion, but game 6 in Boston is where we find out if we have a killer instinct.

In both the Atlanta and Philly series, we had a chance to close out the other team out and couldnt do it, Atlanta forced a game 6 and Philly forced a game 7.  I think if we let our guard down and have to go back to Miami to win another game I don't like our chances. 

Celts gotta show us the can close the deal tomorrow night, the jungle will be rockin again for you KG, get it done!

[Q_FBE]

I am seeing positive signs that we are developing that killer instinct...... Paul Pierce and his Moment of Truth Three.

Pietrus had the best game of his career last night.

There were the clutch free throws to finish two possessions up.

[Fafnir]

In both the Atlanta and Philly series, we had a chance to close out the other team out and couldnt do it, Atlanta forced a game 6 and Philly forced a game 7.  I think if we let our guard down and have to go back to Miami to win another game I don't like our chances. 

Well those two games were on the road, this team has done very well at home in close out games.

I definitely agree, the C's need to take care of things in game 6. But both the last two games have been so close, I'm already a bit anxious.

What a playoff run by this "old, tired, done" team!

[Rondo2287]

In both the Atlanta and Philly series, we had a chance to close out the other team out and couldnt do it, Atlanta forced a game 6 and Philly forced a game 7.  I think if we let our guard down and have to go back to Miami to win another game I don't like our chances. 

Well those two games were on the road, this team has done very well at home in close out games.

I definitely agree, the C's need to take care of things in game 6. But both the last two games have been so close, I'm already a bit anxious.

What a playoff run by this "old, tired, done" team!

I agree I have been treasuring every moment of it and I really hope the home crowd and give them the extra juice they might need.  The celts are gonna have to weather an early storm though because you know the heat will come out with all they got. 

Lets just hope, Spoelstra gives another one of this classic, "rope-a-dope" speeches, that worked really well last time.

[CoachBo]

I think that those of you who are fortunate enough to go Thursday night need to make sure with your lungs that everyone understands this deal is over.

Be loud, be intimidating and help this great TEAM get over the hump.

[ScoobyDoo]

Great post and TP. I wrote a similar post about how this team sometimes fails to "seize the moment" and step on teams when they're down.

I thought Game 4 against Philly was a moment like that - cahnce to go up 3-1, with an 18 point 3rd quarter lead and heading home for game 5 to close.

Also thought Game 2 against Miami was a similar situation.

Bottom line I just agree with your post 100%.

The Celtics have written their ticket for the finals - that is - a 3-2 lead heading home for game 6. But it's up to them to "punch" that ticket and enter the finals.

They have to come out focused, hungry and with the type of anger / aggression as if the Heat collectively shot their new puppies.

The thing that worries me is a close game because with Wade, LeBron and even Chalmers - who I think is a pretty clutch player - if we let Miami stick around, they can steal this game and then all best are off in game seven in Miami.

Personally it would be difficult to stomach the smug faces of Wade and LeBron sending Boston packing in a game seven in Miami.

The Celtics need to come in with a game seven "of the Finals" mentality for this game.

All in for 48, make it ugly and step on Miami if we get them down.

For me, if they win this game and get to the finals, these guys are officially "champions" to me already - what ever happens in the finals is gravy to me, either way.   

[Cman]

I think that those of you who are fortunate enough to go Thursday night need to make sure with your lungs that everyone understands this deal is over.

Be loud, be intimidating and help this great TEAM get over the hump.

Exactly. Those in attendance need to make sure the Game Ball goes to the crowd.

[mctyson]

This team likes to make it hard on themselves, remember that......

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Great post and TP. I wrote a similar post about how this team sometimes fails to "seize the moment" and step on teams when they're down.

I thought Game 4 against Philly was a moment like that - cahnce to go up 3-1, with an 18 point 3rd quarter lead and heading home for game 5 to close.

Also thought Game 2 against Miami was a similar situation.

Bottom line I just agree with your post 100%.

The Celtics have written their ticket for the finals - that is - a 3-2 lead heading home for game 6. But it's up to them to "punch" that ticket and enter the finals.

They have to come out focused, hungry and with the type of anger / aggression as if the Heat collectively shot their new puppies.

The thing that worries me is a close game because with Wade, LeBron and even Chalmers - who I think is a pretty clutch player - if we let Miami stick around, they can steal this game and then all best are off in game seven in Miami.

Personally it would be difficult to stomach the smug faces of Wade and LeBron sending Boston packing in a game seven in Miami.

The Celtics need to come in with a game seven "of the Finals" mentality for this game.

All in for 48, make it ugly and step on Miami if we get them down.

For me, if they win this game and get to the finals, these guys are officially "champions" to me already - what ever happens in the finals is gravy to me, either way.   

agreed this is our 4th straight must win. we won that game in miami to close out on thursday in Boston. We need to impose our will on them for 48 minutes. treat this game as if it is the last game of your career. all or nothing. play smart all game. I do not think rondo and pierce and Allen or even bass will have the blah games they had last game. I think everybody picks it up. get in miami's heads (if we are not already)....leave no doubts. no more close games. DESTROY THEM. OBLITERATE THEM by double digits at home. get the 18 point lead and never let up. make them QUIT. I want to see lebron and wade give up and quit. no blowing any lead this game. no way, no how. We know we cannot go back to Miami. FINISH THEN in our house where we have the fans helping us.

[j804]

Rondo is a monster at home watch him rip the hearts out of the Heat book it

[angryguy77]

I don't think we should put too much stock in the last 2 series(although I do see your point). They have a habit of playing down to their competition for sure, Miami is on par with us and they know that. These guys know this could very well be their last shot at a finals trip, so their back is already against the wall. I don't believe we come out with a lack of urgency. If we lose, it will be because Miami played well enough to win, not from a lack of effort or intensity on our part.

[cman88]

I think they have the killer instinct...most teams down 0-2 usually pack it in and give up...instead we just ran off 3 wins in a row to put ourselves in a good position.