Taking Care of a "Must Win"

There are not too many "must-win" game 2s in sports. Tonight was one of them. There was no way the Celtics could come back to Boston down 0-2, and win 4 out of the next 5 against this very good Laker team.

Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo ensured the win tonight with a NBA Finals record 8 threes from Allen, and a triple double from Rondo, who also threw in some huge baskets in the final minutes to seal the deal. The Cs went on to win 103-94.

Who would have thought that the Celtics could win a Finals game against this Lakers team when both Pierce and Garnett combined for just four field goals?

But they did. And now the series returns to Boston.

Tonight's win is a good example of what makes this Boston team so good offensively. They have four players that can step up and win a game at anytime. Two of them were on their game tonight.

But it is not only the offense. The Celtics' defense seemed to be back tonight. Not great, but good enough. They were scrappy and battling all night. And there is no doubt about it. When you get to the NBA playoffs, defense wins championships.

I couldn't be happier with the way these playoffs have transpired -- especially after watching this team play the way they did throughout the regular season. To make it to the NBA finals and pull off a split in LA after getting man-handled in game 1. All I can say is...

Bring on game 3.