More Applause for the Rest of You

[ZoSo]

114-37.

That's the vote count in today's poll.

75% of you think the Cs will win tonight.

I applaud you all for your optimism.

But I just don't see it.

The Cs will come out limp, and stay that way for the most part, saving up their energy for game 7.

So the only question is how poorly will the Pistons play? Poor enough to keep us in it?

The "start the bench" mentality was taken to its logical extreme by a columnist who yesterday told the Celtics starters to stay home for game 6 and get their rest.

I don't favor either approach. But I do favor

--Playing the bench liberally tonight.

--Playing Powe a good 20 minutes.

--Playing BBD too.

--Going back to House over Cassell.

--Getting Jesus about 24 shots to keep him in his groove

Doesn't matter how much or how poorly Chauncey and Rip play, the Cs will find a way to struggle tonight (unless Jesus goes for 44).

I know, I know.

What a cup-0-cheer I am.

[jgod213]

When Ray is hitting his shots, the Celts can beat any team, in any building.

That being said, i don't think they will come away with a W tonight.

The combination of the Pistons having their backs completely against the wall and playing at home will be enough to get them going and keep them going long enough to get the win.  I also think that Flip will tap Linday Hunter on the shoulder early and often if the C's come out of the gates quickly, and that full court trap will get plaenty of extra energy from the crowd.

However, you cannot afford to just hand this game to the Pistons by playing "Powe for 20 minutes."  If the starters lack energy, then yes, i hope Doc hits the trigger on Powe, House, ect. But the Pistons have proved they can beat us and play us REAL tough at home - a game 7 is by no means a guarenteed victory for us.