After the first game of a best of seven, we have sweeping generalizations. It is the inflammatory, 24-hour culture we inhabit. The Celtics are old and injured (even Doc Rivers). That’s obvious and, for the present playoffs, immutable. The Heat dominated game one. The question is whether Boston can adjust.

Defensively, they can. Rondo called for more physicality, which is part of the problem. Though, perhaps you could see the Celtics play more zone. They conceded 19 layups in Game One, and were burned by LeBron James’ movement without the ball. LeBron and Wade were 16/18 inside the paint and 5/17 outside the paint. Force them to shoot.

Offensively, they can hope. Pierce had a poor game. He has had a poor playoffs. Playing on one leg, that’s not surprising. Progressing further and playing 40 minutes a night is not helping. Boston, not very good offensively when healthy, will have peaks and valleys. Without Pierce scoring or even playing aggressively enough to get to the line, the valleys will be much lower.

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