Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Celtics Come Up Big in the Clutch

Although Game 2 between the Magic and Celtics never really got out of hand, it seemed like the Celtics had a firm grip on the Magic the entire game. Then all of a sudden, 3 minutes left and the Magic take a 90-89 lead on a Vince Carter 18 footer.
At this point, I start thinking to myself about which Magic player I would want to take a potential game winning shot. I can't come up with anyone. Rashard Lewis has looked generally disinterested in playing this series (he went 3-9 from the field in Game 2). Dwight Howard came up with a big 30 point performance, but I wouldn't feel comfortable dumping the ball into him during a clutch moment. The combination of Perkins and Wallace has proved to be more than capable of guarding him one on one, although Perkins had fouled out at this point. Howard hasn't developed enough of a touch around the basket or a wide enough array of post moves to be a consistent low post scorer.
Vince Carter would seem to be the choice, they brought him to Orlando for the purpose of being a playoff force. But Carter has proved time and time again that he is not a clutch performer. He would prove this again tonight.
During the remaining three minutes, we see Carter take an off balance shot fading to his left, and Jameer Nelson shoot a contested three with 18 seconds on the shot clock. On the flip side, Rondo hits a fadeaway jumper and Pierce sinks two clutch free throws to give the Celtics a three point lead.
Carter had the chance to redeem himself with a minute left down 95-92 and missed two free throws as Nate Robinson contributed the only way he was allowed to, yelling from the bench. This is typical Carter, he's not a clutch player, and if the Magic expect him to be, this series will be over quickly.
The Celtics have four players who have proven themselves during crunch time, the Magic have zero. If the Magic have any chance of winning a game, let alone the series, someone needs to step up during clutch situations.

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