There are so many questions as the Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup between the Sixers and Celtics returns to Boston for a deciding Game 7.
1. Will the Sixers start hitting free throws?
2. Do the Big 3 have one last stand left in them?
3. Will either team have a chance against the Heat?
To answer the third question the first two questions must be first be answered.
The Sixers 72-percent free throw shooting percentage in the playoffs is the worst of any team remaining and nearly 10 percentage points behind Boston. The Sixers haven’t hit better than 70 percent of their free throws in the last three games, bottoming out at 60.7 percent in the Sixers 82-75 Game 6 win.
No one is defending those shots. The Sixers have to do a better job at taking advantage of freebies if they hope to win Game 7 because unlike Game 6, you have to expect the Celtics to shoot better than 33 percent from the floor.
Which brings us to the second question, was the poor shooting performance by the C’s Wednesday night because they are getting old or because they were just off?
Every time the C’s have been pushed against the wall this series, they’ve come back like the wily veterans they are. But, as pointed out by CSNPhilly.com’s John Finger, they have weaknesses mainly in hobbled sharpshooter Ray Allen.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Needless to say, the Sixers made no secret about the plan. Allen is playing with a bone spur in one ankle as well as a sprained ankle suffered during the Celtics’ victory in Game 5, so like a bunch of young lions after a wounded antelope, the Sixers are taking turns in attempt to expose Allen.
“They were picking who they wanted,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “That’s what I would do and you can’t blame them for doing it. [Sixers coach Doug Collins] and I are close so I’m going to give him a call and say, ‘Hey, listen, none of that.’ That would be terrific.”
But the key to Game 6 success wasn’t just shutting down Allen but rather shutting down his backcourt partner in point guard Rajon Rondo.
Last game Rondo shot just 4-for-14 with six assists and nine rebounds. His poor performance was partly the Sixers tenacious d but it also was possible he just had a bad night. If he is on Saturday night the Celtics will advance to play the Heat, if not, expect the Sixers to bring their talents to South Beach next week.
