Celtics Must Take Game 3

As bad as things went for the Celtics in Miami, this series is far from over as long as they play their game tonight and win this critical Game 3. The Celtics are a veteran team and know how to handle themselves when the pressure is on. The Heat, other than Dwayne Wade, lack that trait and even though they looked like world beaters in the first two games, the Celtics know that if they can rise up and put some pressure on Miami, the Heat's foundation could crack.

This will not be an easy task for Boston - hey, Wade and LeBron James have looked unstoppable so far - but it's far from impossible. They have had three days to rest and regroup. They are getting Shaq back tonight, which should make a huge difference on offense and defense (take a quick peek at these numbers) as long as the Big Shamrock is feeling good.

As I wrote after Game 2, it's time for Glen Davis to have his role drastically reduced and the return of Shaq will allow Doc Rivers to make that change. If Shaq is ready and give the team 15-20 solid minutes, the bench rotation should be limited to Jeff Green, Delonte West, and Jermain O'Neal with swingman Von Wafer potentially seeing some minutes if an extra wing player is needed.

I am always optimistic when it comes to the Boston teams but there is reason to believe in the Celtics. This group has faced adversity before and overcome it to win a championship. This group also knows that Miami will be vulnerable if they take the game to them and disrupt the momentum they have built up through two games. Shaq's return further bolsters the Celtics chances because he can get his team easy baskets against single coverage and even though he isn't the athlete he once was, that 7-1, 350-pound body is a hell of a presence in the middle of the defense.

I am putting my chips in with the Celtics tonight and will do so again in Game 4. Let's see how confident the Heat are going back to Miami for Game 5. They do not have the resume of facing adversity together like Boston's stars do and that will make the difference in this series.