Big numbers
Rondo - AST (and FTM)
We've seen it all series, Rondo just can't make it all the way to the rim with the same regularity as he is used to. The Lakers, especially the big guys, are just backing up and taking away all the angles. Normally, I'd like to see the Celtics try to actually pull their rebounders out of the paint, when they Lakers back up. This way, either the Lakers' big guys follow them out, clearing a path for Rajon, or they stay in the paint until Rondo standing-dribbles them into defensive 3-second calls. Here in game 7 of the finals, I think we will struggle to get that D3 call because I think the refs will keep the whistling to a minimum. I also am wondering how confident Rondo will be driving to the basket, given his abysmal free throw percentage this series. Ideally, I want Rondo to be driving, but looking to pass first.
Ray Allen - FGM
This is absolutely huge. Rack up points and spread defenses. If Ray Allen can be the shooter we know and love, so many opportunities arise. Not only does it help our bottom line, obviously, but threes quiet the crowd and demoralize the opposition. Ray Allen better get looks, and if Rondo fulfills the above request, he will.
Pierce - FGA
Pierce needs to be attacking relentlessly. If they are going to block Rondo's drive, I want to see Pierce getting open during Rondo's initial drive, catching the ball in motion, driving, and drawing fouls. If Pierce can rack up a few early PF's on Gasol and/or Bynum, he'll be Rasheed's new best friend. I don't care if he is scoring (though I sure hope he does), but attack, Paul! One last note here is that I want to see shot-first attempts by Paul. Too often, recently, he drives to first draw fouls, then heave a shot. That afterthought-style shot usually misses, and the refs are not giving him many of these calls. If my assumption is right, the refs aren't going to call much. Drive to SCORE!
Garnett - REB
Oh the rebounds. This is a stat that can be shared with Wallace, but Garnett is not as notorious for his fouling as Wallace. Assuming KG is on the floor more, he IS our rebounding force. This is going to limit his offensive production, but we need him under the basket, going for those offensive boards. On defense, clearly he needs to set up shop under the basket and assuming his surrounding teammates actually box out, leap and catch with both hands.
Wallace - PF
You could see this one coming I'm sure. Here's why I think Rasheed will do well here and why he has to. Rasheed is a veteran and he knows what is on the line. Normally he comes in for under 20 minutes. Its fine if you pick up a few fouls when you aren't playing big minutes. Wallace knows he needs to be on the floor for big minutes, so he knows he needs to limit his fouling. Again, the refs should be helpful in this situation. Wallace just needs to hold down the paint, and I think he can, against a struggling Bynum.
Tony Allen - PF
Tony Allen can score, but he's going to be our defensive specialist. TA needs to keep the defensive intensity up without being bounced to the bench. He's played well (save a few blunders), so let's keep him on the floor.
Davis - BA
Ironically enough, this is one negative stat that I want to see be high. It just means he is attacking. Davis is nimble and huge, if he's banging inside, he's doing physical damage, drawing fouls (remarkably he rarely charges), and hopefully scoring. If his shots are blocked, chances are we are getting those rebounds anyways, cause the Lakers don't know what they are doing, for the most part.
Robinson - 3PM
This is going to be Nate's mark on the game. If he's playing, you can bet your ass he's taking a 3 or two. Hit those threes and change the course of the game.
Williams - TO
If Williams is playing, and honestly I hope he isn't, despite the fact that I like his game, he needs to stop playing for the other team. All he has done is make turnovers. SHELDEN, step it up!
Finley, Daniels, Scalabrine, - MIN
Will they play? I hope not, again, cause that means we are in foul trouble. I feel like the more minutes these guys give, the lower our chances of winning are.
