Game 1 proved to be a tough game for the Sixers. They had Boston right where they wanted them as they jumped out to an early lead and took the crowd out of the game. However, Boston’s leadership and veterans proved to be to much for the young Sixers. Coming into Game 1 when Boston trailed by 13 or more this season they were 1-22, however they made that 2-22 on Saturday.
The keys to Game 2 remain the same to be honest.
Transition Offense: The Sixers did a great job getting out and running the floor early in Game 1 which helped the Sixers get off to a nice start. However, as the game went on they began to settle into a half court offense and settled for long jump shots which allowed Boston to get back into the game. Tonight, they will need to keep the pressure on the Celtics all game. The Sixers are at their best when they get out and run, and the Celtics are surely at their worst so it makes sense for the Sixers to continue to push the basketball. I think if they Sixers get about 25 fast break points tonight they win this game. They scored just 13 fast break points the other night and lost by 1, so if they can make it easier on themselves and get a few more easy buckets this game won’t be as difficult.
Rebounding: The rebounding battle was actually a big improvement from the Chicago series. The Sixers were only out rebounded by four, compared to the 15-25 rebound differential they faced against the Bulls. If they continue to rebound the same way, it will really give opportunities to get out and run. I would like to see Lavoy Allen get some more minutes tonight, he is very physical down low and can really help the Sixers grab some of those 50-50 balls.
Turnovers: Turnovers were actually pretty good for the Sixers on Saturday, as they finished right on their season average at 11. They forced Boston to commit just 13, so that is the area I would like to see improved. If the Sixers can force the Celtics to commit about 16-18 turnovers I think that will help the Sixers greatly by being able to get easy baskets and also frustrate Boston on the offensive end.
Summary: Did you notice the trend all of the keys to the game go back to? Transition. That is the key for the Sixers and has always been when they played Boston. Boston is very old and will have trouble running up and down for a 7 game series against a defensive minded team like the Sixers. Getting in transition will allow for easy baskets and will boost the confidence of the younger players to find their groove later in the game. Getting easy baskets may also help the Sixers extend their lead at certain points, which they were unable to do in the 2nd half. When they were trading baskets with Boston, the veterans of Boston took over and made every basket to give them the lead late in the game. Without a true go to scorer, compared to Boston’s 3, the Sixers showed themselves that they can not afford to get into those type of situations all series long. Game 2 is going to have a little different start to it, as I expect Boston to come out and try and punch the Sixers in the mouth early. They will feed off the energy of the crowd and go on a nice run, and it is up to Doug and Andre Iguodala to keep the youngsters composed and relaxed to battle back like they have all season. I think if the Sixers play the same way they did on Saturday, with a little better shooting at times and getting into transition a little more, it will be very hard for the Sixers to lose this game tonight.
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Tags: Celtics, Keys to the Game, playoffs, Sixers, Transition Offense
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