The Celtics Look Old

Miami's 2-0 series lead over Boston in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals isn't a fluke.

The Heat look like a well-rested club while the Celtics look - well, just old.

On Tuesday night, Miami defeated Boston, 102-91 to take that 2-0 lead.

Boston tied the game at 80 on a pair of free throws by Pierce with 7:10 left. The Celtics missed their next six shots while the Heat used a late 14-0 run to pull away.

By the time the final buzzer had sounded, three of Boston's "Big Four" were nursing injuries: Rondo with a bad back, Paul Pierce had a strained achilles and Ray Allen suffered a bruised chest.

Those injuries definitely had an effect.  Pierce, who got ejected from Game #1, had just 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting while Ray Allen had the worst game of the post-season as he scored just 7 points.

While the Celtics starters were struggling in Game #2, Miami's "Big Three" was lighting it up.

LeBron James scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half.  He shot 14 of 25 from the field and played 44 minutes without a turnover.  Dwayne Wade had 28 while Chris Bosh added 17.

So Miami's "Big Three" outscored Boston's "Big Four" 80-56.  The Heat just look like (and are) the better team right now.

Miami is just clicking!  They’ve got 2 of the best 5 players in the NBA.  Add in Bosh and they've got 3 of the top 15 players in the league on the same roster.  That's an instant formula for success.

I know Game #2 was close until 7:00 remained (tied at 80).  And I know Boston was hanging around in Game #1 until Paul Pierce was ejected, but Boston has looked old and exhausted in this series.

In Game #2, Boston just didn't go cold in the final minutes while Miami's run put them away.  There’s a reason Boston missed their shots.  Because they’re age is catching up with them - they're worn out.

When the question of Shaq’s return turns into a big headline, you know your team has issues!

The Heat have 4 losses in the past 6 weeks.  They've won 21 of their last 25 games during that time.  Boston has to now beat them 4 of the next 5 games.

It's not happening.  Sorry!