In preparation for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Boston Celtics will watch game film for each shot they missed. They will also look over every shot they gave up to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics system is rooted in defense. Even when struggling with their own offense, they have been able to clamp down on D and keep their opponents from scoring.
After their 82-81 loss to the 76ers in Game 2, they are looking to get back to that fundamental approach as they head to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.
Its just about individual defense at that point, said Paul Pierce. Thats it. I dont think it was really the plays.Its about us manning up at the end and taking the challenge.
Pierce further explained, Individual defense. It wasnt anything special they were running. They were setting picks, getting to the point where they get their guys in isolation, so its up to us to be able to play great individual defense toward the end.
The Celtics fought back from a 57-49 third quarter deficit to tie the game, 65-65, with 4:33 left. But even though they outscored the 76ers, 32-25, in the fourth quarter, the visiting team scored six straight points in the final minute to go up 80-75 with 8.5 seconds remaining, enough to hold on for the 82-81 win.
I thought the third quarter really hurt us when we couldnt score but our defense wasnt there, said Pierce. They were taking a nine-, ten-point lead and its hard when youre trying to fight back. We got the lead and we just didnt get the stop we needed down the stretch.
Boston Celtics
Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett echoed Pierces sentiments of buckling down on D. While the Celtics will look to execute their own offense late in the game, it will be a priority to stop the 76ers from doing the same.
We have to play better individual one-on-one defense, Rondo said. I have to guard the ball better, keep the ball out of the paint.
Added Garnett, Defensively, we have to be a lot more sound on the ball. A lot of missed assignments tonight. Theyre a good team, too. They made some adjustments tonight, shot the ball better, attacked the basket.
Garnett said the Celtics are better than how they performed in Game 2. Looking ahead to Wednesdays Game 3 in Philadelphia, they are determined to prove it.
Well watch film Tuesday and get better, he said.