A year ago, the C's were up 3-2 on the Magic in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. They dropped a close Game 6 in Orlando, they were blown away in Game 7 and they started summer vacation early. A year later, the C's are looking to make up for past mistakes.
With a win in Game 6 at the TD Garden this time around, the Celtics can to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers and move on to the East finals. Waiting for them there? None other than Orlando again.
When and Where
Celtics vs. Cavaliers
Thursday, May 13, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
TD Garden, Boston
Head to Head
This is the first time the Celtics have had a lead in this series. They were down 1-0 then down 2-1, but now they have the upper hand at 3-2 with a chance to close things out. The Celtics are 5-4 against the Cavaliers this year, regular season and playoffs combined — not bad when you're up against a 61-win juggernaut that was the class of the NBA this season.
Key Matchup
Kevin Garnett vs. Antawn Jamison
The Celtics have done a great job in this series of exploiting the mismatch between the imposing KG and the smaller, more perimeter-oriented Jamison. The object is simple: Pound the ball inside to the Big Ticket, and big things will happen. So far, KG is a strong 39-of-77 from the field (51 percent) in this series, and the Cavs haven't been able to make the adjustments necessary to slow down the big man. If KG can have one more big game, this series could be over.
Starting Lineups
Celtics
Point guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting guard: Ray Allen
Small forward: Paul Pierce
Power forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Cavaliers
Point guard: Mo Williams
Shooting guard: Anthony Parker
Small forward: LeBron James
Power forward: Antawn Jamison
Center: Shaquille O'Neal
Stat Sheet
Celtics
- Paul Pierce had 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics in Game 5.
- Rajon Rondo has played 417 minutes in this postseason. Only Joe Johnson of the now-eliminated Atlanta Hawks has played more.
- Glen Davis has averaged 8.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in the playoffs for his career.
Cavaliers
- LeBron James finished 3-of-14 from the field in Game 5. He didn't make a basket until the third quarter.
- Delonte West has made all 12 of his playoff free-throw attempts.
- Anderson Varejao has averaged 5.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs for his career.
Black and Blue
Celtics
- After briefly battling a couple of minor injuries last week, the Celtics are fully healthy going into Game 6.
Cavaliers
- Rumblings of LeBron James' strained right elbow have subsided. The Cavs should be healthy and ready.
Outlook
The Celtics can't afford to think about knockout punches or victory laps. Doc Rivers is stressing to this team that it simply needs to focus on the process, and good things will come of it. Focus on playing basketball. Focus on active team defense, good ball movement, hustle plays. The Celtics have played a solid team game over the course of these first five contests, and it's been too much for LeBron James to handle all by himself. If the C's can stay focused and win one more, they'll have proven that the great individual is never a match for the great team.
