JZ's Keys to Game 3

Down 2-0 after a lackluster start to the 2013 playoffs, Boston must win tonight's game to have any hopes of defeating The New York Knicks. Though their backs are against the wall, The Celtics can get right back into the series if they achieve these goals.



Ride the Crowd:
The Knicks won each of the last two games on fierce second half runs, feeding off the crowd's passion at MSG. Fortunately for The Celtics, the Boston faithful are perhaps the loudest in the league, and with the city standing strong together after last week's tragedy, this could be one of the most raucous crowds in recent memory. The C's have to be sure to close out their quarters and come out of the half strong, because as J.R. Smith showed us last night, The Knicks will take advantage of any mental lapses. If Doc's ballclub keeps up the pressure, they will be rewarded with energizing support from their raucous fans.




Win the 50-50 Balls:
It's very simple: you have to win loose balls to succeed in the playoffs. In Games 1 and 2, The Knicks ran or dove to every long rebound or bad pass. The Celtics have to take the upper-hand physically in order to win tonight.




Find a Spark from the Role Players:
Perhaps the biggest advantage to playing at home is that role-players feel fall more confident and can get hot at opportune times. Keyon Dooling was last year's surprise sub in Games 3 and 4 against The Heat, scoring 17 points altogether on 4 big 3s. If Doc Rivers can get solid contributions from someone like Chris Wilcox, Jordan Crawford, Terrence Williams, or even Shavlik Randolph, The Celtics can build the lead while the veterans rest to keep The Knicks at arm's length (Sorry Fab, but I don't think you'll be getting in on the fun).



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