Who Wants It More?

3 @ 3
Sunday, May 17, 2009
8:00 pm ET
TD BankNorth Garden (Boston, MA)

Here we go again, folks. For the fourth time since the core of this
roster has been assembled, the Celtics are set to play for their season
in a Game 7. I'll spare us all some time. From x's and o's to the
mental mindset, everything that has needed to be said has been said.

We can talk about all the little details all day long, but when it
comes to a Game 7, it's about who wants it more. The play of Ray Allen
is not going to determine tonight's game, nor is Dwight Howard's dunk
count or even another Rajon Rondo triple-double. The winner of this
game is going to be the team that comes out and executes at a higher
level, sacrifices their bodies to win the 50/50 game, leaves it all out
on the floor, and proves that they belong in the Eastern Conference
Finals. Both clubs are playing for the life of their season. The winner
moves on, the losers watches the winner from their couches at home.

Who wants it more?

Regular Season Record: 59-23
Eastern Conference Seed: 3
Conference Quarterfinals Result: ORL 4, PHI 2

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Series Leaders
PPG: Rashard Lewis (20.7)
RPG: Dwight Howard (17.3)
APG: Rafer Alston (4.6)
SPG: Rafer Alston (2.0)
BPG: Dwight Howard (2.3)

Regular Season Record: 62-20
Eastern Conference Seed: 2
Conference Quarterfinals Result: BOS 4, CHI 3

Projected Starters
PG SG SF PF C

Series Leaders
PPG: Paul Pierce (19.3)
RPG: Kendrick Perkins (11.0)
APG: Rajon Rondo (7.7)
SPG: Rajon Rondo (2.3)
BPG: Kendrick Perkins (2.3)

Injury Report
Jameer Nelson (torn right labrum – out)
Kevin Garnett (right knee – out)
Leon Powe (torn ACL – out)

Keys to Victory

• Attack, Attack, Attack
• Sense of Urgency
• Close Off Penetration
• Control the Defensive Glass
• Take Care of the Ball
• Avoid Foul Trouble