Boston ruins Miami's Big 3 reunion

The Boston Celtics in a pivotal Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals have left half of the world agape. And will have the chance on Thursday to send the Miami Heat to South Beach for good.

From up two games to on the verge of elimination, Miami for the fourth straight game was mentally and physically outplayed by the Celtics.

The alleged South Beach Dream Team is all of a sudden in trouble.

After edging out the Indiana Pacers in six games, the Heat advanced to the ECF confident against the older Boston. The Celtics were plagued by injuries all year around and still didn’t contain the fire power they once had. But as the playoffs progressed, Bean Town emerged. There’s no error when looking at how old all the members of the Celtics Big 3 are, but the will to win is never contingent on a player’s age. This one attribute, Miami took for granted.

Boston’s desire to prove critics wrong is what fuels them. From the naysayers that accused Rajon Rondo to being the Achilles' heel of this unit to Atlanta Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. firing shots at Kevin Garnett’s style of play, this has motivated the Celts to prove the so-called experts to be erroneous about their impetus.

The column for wisdom always goes unnoticed in sporting events. This statistic never shows up in box scores, but proves to be a key factor late in games. 
Want to know how those "old heads" with outdated sneakers at the park or gym could always beat the much younger and energetic team: basketball knowledge. This is the one category Boston has a wide advantage in.

Old school is also another name for the Celtics style of play. There are no individuals or superstars in this play. Different players produce, but every member is essential in procuring a victory. 
Not one of Rondo’s best offensive games, but his assists proved to be critical in disrupting the Heat’s defense. Ray Allen is another member who wasn’t connecting on all cylinders, but contributed with clutch free throws and big rebounds. Furthermore, Pierce’s production throughout the game was streaky. However, when the game was on the line, he sealed the deal with a shot over Lebron James.

The list can go on for key efforts made from each Boston member, but it all correlates behind the concept of a team. Team’s aren’t built over night either which could explain for Miami’s problems. The resiliency and potency demonstrated by the Celtics reflects the heart of a champion. And behind every team is a venerable coach.

Doc Rivers has been the difference maker within this series, but he’ll never admit it. Rivers has preached to his team that the Heat still haven’t seen their best 48 minutes, and he’s right.

To be able to win against a superior Miami team statistic wise with Rondo, Pierce and Allen shooting a combined 11-of-43 is amazing. Not to mention that Dwyane Wade and James combined for 57 points.

Rivers and Celtics believe that they can compete with anyone on the court right now. The Celtics have the Heat backed against the ropes and Miami has failed to answer back.

Now with the onerous task of having to win in the Boston Garden and then back at home to close the series out, the Heat are skating on thin ice.

Miami isn’t out of this series, but will have to do some heavy reevaluation if they expect to win Game 6, let alone advance to the NBA Finals. 
Sorry to burst the bubble, but this is the wrong time for reassessment. The playoffs are where champions rise and pretenders wither.