Wade contained by double-teaming
The defensive focus by the Boston Celtics in these Eastern Conference finals?
Surprisingly, it's not the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player.
No, the approach by Celtics coach Doc Rivers seemingly is to allow LeBron James to get his, particularly with his ability to score over the top.
Instead, Dwyane Wade has found consistent double-teams and traps, clearly the Celtics' perimeter focus in this best-of-seven series that now is tied 2-2 after the Celtics' 93-91 overtime victory Sunday at TD Garden, with Game 5 Tuesday back in Miami.
"It's no secret: I'm getting doubled at the top of the key. I'm getting doubled in the paint," Wade said of the attention he'd just as soon prefer to avoid. "So unless I shoot a turnaround jump shot all the time, which is not a good shot for our team, we're going to have to find other ways to loosen things up.
"I'm a patient person, so eventually things will, hopefully, loosen up and I get my opportunities where I can attack and get into a rhythm a little more."
It didn't loosen up Sunday. He opened 1-of-8 from the field on the way to a 7-of-22 night, missing a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the final buzzer.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said he has been trying to open scoring opportunities.
"We also have to do a better job of getting him in areas where he can be aggressive, and that will be part of our focus," he said, as Game 5 looms.
Wade, who attempted to post up Sunday, said he appreciates what he is up against and who he is up against.
"Give them and Doc Rivers credit for coming up with the scheme," he said of the Celtics coach.
Mostly, James said teammates have to be there as a support system.
"As his teammates, we've got to make ourselves available and we've got to make plays for ourselves," he said of lightening Wade's load. "And, also, when the double team is not there, early in the offense, try to get the ball to him early, so he can attack without a double team."
Spoelstra said Wade's troublesome knees are not an issue, at least not a primary issue.
"No, there's nothing wrong," he said. "At this point this deep into the playoffs, you can ask that question to any player that's logging significant minutes. They probably don't feel 100 percent. But he's able to still impact the game."
