
8:30 PM ET, November 16th, 2011
American Airlines Arena, Miami FL
Miami, November 15th (AP) - After a painful elimination by the Miami Heat last year, the Boston Celtics have been surging this season. Paul Pierce is scoring like its 2000 all over again, Ray Allen is shooting lights out from three, and Garnett is still the same defensive anchor he was back in '08. Rajon Rondo is having another great passing year and the Celtic bench gives a veteran team the depth to compete with any team in the league.
The Miami Heat on the other hand have been struggling. Their defeat to the Dallas Mavericks seems to have shaken up LeBron James as his scoring has dropped off considerably. Scoring only 24 PPG, one has to wonder if the constant barrage of "LeChoke" and "LeBrick" has gotten into his head.
Despite their struggles, this is a game that Miami is no doubt looking towards as their chance to turn around their lackluster season thus far. A win against the current best team in the East as well as their biggest rival would perhaps give the Heat Big 3 the confidence they need to recapture their chemistry and once again make it to the Finals.
The Celtics are also looking at this game as a statement game. The elimination from last year is still fresh in their minds and this is their chance to not only get revenge but to prove to the league that this current 6 game winning streak isn't a fluke. A win in Miami would also prove to themselves that they have what it takes to win their second rings and bring Banner 18 to Boston come July.
"We know we're the underdogs this season. No one thinks we can win it all but that's what fuels us. That's what drives us to prove everyone wrong." according to Kevin Garnett in an interview before the season began.
"LeBron is fine. He's had a rough start to the season but he'll recover." said Dwyane Wade after their loss to the Nets last Friday.
"We've been under a microscope since last year. Every mistake we made is being made out to be more than it is." commented LeBron James. "I'll be fine. Go ahead and quote me on that."
Leaders
Points: Paul Pierce - 26.4 PPG
Rebounds: Kevin Garnett - 8.5 RPG
Assists: Rajon Rondo - 11.1 APG
Steals: Rajon Rondo - 1.9 SPG
Blocks: Kevin Garnett - 2.4 BPG
Points: Dwyane Wade - 25.6 PPG
Rebounds: Chris Bosh - 9.9 RPG
Assists: Lebron James - 6.9 APG
Steals: Lebron James - 2.1 SPG
Blocks: Joel Anthony - 1.6 BPG