Celtics Must Get Back to Stingy Defensive Ways If They Want Any Chance of Extinguishing Heat

The Celtics had some obvious issues in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Much was made about the officiating, but that was far from the sole reason the C's lost. The offense was pretty horrible — they shot 39.5 percent from the floor — but that wasn't necessarily the biggest reason, either.

Just as poor were the C's defensive efforts, as Boston allowed the Heat to shoot 50 percent from the floor in what would be a 93-79 win for Miami. To put that number in perspective, the Celtics held Philadelphia to 35 percent shooting in a decisive Game 7 win.

The C's usually stingy defense also allowed 42 points in the paint on 21-for-27 shooting, with just one block after recording six blocks in Game 7 of the Sixers series.

All of that must change if the Celtics want to come back from Boston with the series tied at a game apiece. If they can't their season will undoubtedly be in grave danger.