Thoughts I thought: Celtics hold on to take Game 3

Kevin Garnett does some push-ups after getting fouled in the first half

Thoughts I thought while shaking and pacing as the Boston Celtics somehow had to cling to a lead in the final quarter of Game 3 at the Garden:

• Whew
• Whew
• Jesus Shuttlesworth Christ that was a little too intense there at the end now wasn’t it? The Celtics entered the final quarter of play up 24 points and seemingly on cruise control to a victory at the Boston Garden. The Heat followed it up by outscoring the Celtics by utilizing a line-up with Lebron James at center. The Heat brought it back to within 8 points, put the entire Garden into Defcon-5 and caused me to start grabbing a pillow and shaking back and forth while sitting on my couch. A couple of baskets by Rondo and a closing basket by Kevin Garnett sealed the deal for the Celtics.
• Rajon Rondo was nice for another night. Not a crazy night like Game 2 was, but a good night nonetheless. He paced the game, drove hard to the paint, and found his teammates. He made a couple of big plays when he needed too. Overall, typical Rondo game which is better than a good 97% of the NBA’s typical game.
• Marquis Daniels came in during the second quarter when Brandon Bass was in foul trouble and gave the Celtics fantastic minutes. He finished with 9/5, cut into the open spots on the floor, and rotated brilliantly on defense. I have thought for a while that Daniels should play a little bit more because he can give a good amount of defense off the bench and help relieve the starters a little bit more. Even Doc admitted that after the third quarter. I would expect Marquis to play more this series.

Questions

• How much did the way that the Miami Heat play help the Celtics tonight? They were out running the Celtics all first quarter and then suddenly stopped attacking the basket. Sorry, the Celtics couldn’t stop them in the transition and the Miami Heat failed to capitalize on this. Perhaps I should stop giving them ideas.
• Will Brandon Bass ever be effective? He played 17 minutes tonight and only had a 4/4. This isn’t his series. The Heat are the ultimate small ball team and Bass’s strengths are eliminated in that kind of game. I don’t see him becoming a huge factor for the rest of the series.
• How will the Celtics respond on Sunday? Now they have the win, but that’s not enough. It was only a year ago when the Celtics “saved” their season with a Game 3 victory over the Heat. They then blew Games 4 and 5 of the series to lose the series. I don’t think that happens again this year. They understand the situation and what is at stake. I see this going back to Miami tied 2-2.
• Any followers also heading into Boston on Sunday?

• Yes, Keyon Dooling and Marquis Daniels performance needs a flexing GIF.