Musings on Celtics in the playoffs

[Kenhov]

My first commentary is that we are ultimately detached from the mental and physical mindset of the players. These are people who we only see as millionaire gladiators on the court but who all have complex parallel lives and interactions.

One thing is apparent though is that like any sport, confidence is everything. We too often underplay things that affect the subplot of that very confidence.

1. Refereeing. http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/tim_donaghy_referees_display_inconsistency_and_favoritism_in_game_1/4667245

Bear in mind that these are Tim Donaghy's comments. They are the most measured I can find. And this is from an IMPARTIAL observer. If the Miami Heat were so superior to the Celtics, why would they need the refs to repel the Celtics on every run. Now think of the mindset of a team who faces this and KNOWS they have to judge the mood of the refs even in being aggressive. This Boston team is best when it has freedom to play. It isnt yet comfortable with being aggressive at any level with Wade and Bron on their court. One crucial point that he made was that Doc needed to call out the situation more aggressively. He didnt.

2. The fans. The fickleness of fans matches our perception that ultimately these guys are being paid lots of money for playing a game. However its their job. Yes, a highly paid job, but their job all the same. Consider us shareholders in a company and watching the performance of key staff. Imagine the horror of the key staff if week by week they were told they should be gotten rid of, are generally crap or otherwise. In the offseason, everything should go. During the games, its no point  calling a player names when we expect that very player to be the forefront of a recovery. WHat the Fakers fans did last night, booing Pau, is a hint of where we dont want to be. And ultimately, getting the Celtics to a game 5 in Miami, tied 2-2, where their bandwagon fans will put pressure on the sensitive mindset of a Lebron, is exactly where we want to be. Nothing has changed about the key players in Miami. They are frontrunners. None of that has been tested....YET.

3. The players. Everyone watches a teams body language. I certainly do. I dont see defeated. I think at crucial points in games, the team plays as if it is in a fight it feels will go the distance and starts to pick punches. In other words, they are not playing with urgency. That will come on Saturday guaranteed. Urgency can only come when you feel in danger of losing. Yes they are professionals, yes they are supposed to do this every game, but older heads tend to pace. Lebron and Dwade had alot more to lose than Boston. Both have demons to exorcise.
What will happen when the Celtics responds ? We shall see.

In the meantime I remain confident. Never underestimate the heart of a champion.