Categories: SPORTS

2010 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics

After a let down in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics have surprised many by defeating the Orlando Magic 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals to earn their second trip to the NBA Finals in three seasons.

The following are profiles of the players that will try to continue Boston’s storied legacy in the NBA Finals.

#20 – Ray Allen

Guard Ray Allen joined the Celtics in 2007 after being traded by the Seattle Supersonics. Allen was a key part of the Celtics’ victory in the 2008 NBA Finals, most notably tying a Finals record with seven three-pointers in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Allen also set a new Finals record with 22 three-pointers in the series. A threat from the field and the free throw line, this nine-time NBA All-Star will play an important role in bringing the Celtics their second title in three years.

#42 – Tony Allen

Currently in his sixth season with Boston, Tony Allen has averaged nearly 17 minutes a game in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. In three playoff series this postseason, Allen has averaged 2.0 rebounds per game, 5.9 points per game, and is shooting nearly 76% from the free throw line. Receiving valuable minutes off the bench, Allen could play a huge part in the 2010 NBA Finals.

#7 – Marquis Daniels

Signed as a free agent in September 2009, Daniels is a versatile performer, despite only appearing in 3.7 minutes per game this postseason. Daniels production in the playoffs has been a significant drop off, only averaging 1.3 points per game compared to the 5.6 points per game he averaged during the regular season. Watch for Daniels to attempt to redeem himself in the Finals.

#40 – Michael Finley

Acquired in March 2010 after leaving the San Antonio Spurs, Finley has spent the last two months coming off the bench for the Celtics. Clearly at the end of his career, Finley is looking to build on his 0.9 points per game during the playoffs in order to add another championship ring to his collection.

#11 – Glen Davis

Seeing almost 20 minutes per game this postseason, Glen “Big Baby” Davis has emerged as a force under the hoop, giving the Celtics 7.5 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game. Big Baby’s performance could be a wild card upon which the success or failure of Boston’s championship run depends.

#5 – Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett’s performance in the 2010 NBA Playoffs has been nothing short of what we have come to expect of K.G. Garnett has posted 14.9 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game this postseason. With a surprising resurgence this postseason, the 12-time NBA All-Star is in a fantastic position to win his second NBA Championship in three seasons.

#43 – Kendrick Perkins

Celtics’ center Kendrick Perkins has seen nearly 26 minutes per game during this postseason. Despite earning significant time, Perkins has only posted 5.6 points per game during the playoffs. However he has brought down 6.4 rebounds per game and will need to continue dominance on the offensive and defensive boards if the Celtics are to be victorious in the next round.

#34 – Paul Pierce

Long-time Boston Celtic Paul Pierce is arguably the most dangerous weapon on the Celtics’ roster. Having won the NBA Finals MVP award just two seasons ago, Pierce is averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this postseason. If Pierce plays well, the rest of the team will follow, and there is no reason to expect anything less than the same performance we saw in Pierce’s last NBA Finals appearance.

#9 – Rajon Rondo

As LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in the second round of the 2010 Playoffs, one name was repeatedly discussed as causing the downfall of the Cavs: Rajon Rondo. Rondo has averaged 16.7 points, 10.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game this postseason. If Rondo’s performance against the Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals is any indicator of his performance in the upcoming Finals, Rondo will be a handful for the Celtics’ opponent.

#4 – Nate Robinson

Since joining the Celtics in February of this year, Nate Robinson posted 6.5 points in 26 games with Boston. Robinson has only appeared in 10 games this postseason, averaging 3.7 points per game in the playoffs, but has come up big when called upon, especially during the Eastern Conference Finals.

#44 – Brian Scalabrine

Scalabrine joined the Celtics in 2005 after being drafted and playing for the New Jersey Nets for the first four years of his NBA career. Scalabrine has been a non-factor for the Celtics despite having a high free throw shooting percentage. He has been injury-plagued and has not appeared in a game since April 14.

#30 – Rasheed Wallace

After joining the Celtics last summer, Wallace played in 79 games, averaging 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. This has carried over to Boston’s current playoff run where Wallace posted 9.0 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. Wallace could play a huge part in the Finals, hoping to win his second NBA Championship.

#13 – Shelden Williams

Williams joined the Celtics prior to the 2009-10 season and appeared in 54 games. Williams has appeared in six games this postseason, posting only 2.2 points per game. Williams should contribute minimally during the Finals unless an injury increases his playing time.

For more from this author click here

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Celtics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Scalabrine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Davis_(basketball)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Garnett
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquis_Daniels
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_finley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Robinson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pierce
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajon_Rondo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasheed_Wallace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Allen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelden_Williams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Allen_(basketball)
http://www.nba.com/celtics/roster/player-profile0708-tony-allen.html
http://www.nba.com/celtics/roster/player-profile0910-marquis-daniels.html
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/brian_scalabrine/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/glen_davis/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/kevin_garnett/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_finley/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/nate_robinson/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/paul_pierce/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/rajon_rondo/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/rasheed_wallace/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ray_allen/
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shelden_williams/