If the Boston Celtics go on and win the NBA championship, they will do it looking more mortal than ever before. The team that meshed so well in the regular season has a lot of issues going into Game 5, a game they absolutely need to win. Otherwise, the Pistons could be looking at a Finals berth.

For one thing, Sam Cassell has not lived up to his reputation. Other than Game 1 against the Cavaliers, Cassell has played dreadful; it could mean Eddie House becomes the permanent backup to Rajon Rondo, or we may see all three in a game, and whoever plays the best finishes it.

Then there's Ray Allen. Allen had a great regular season and showed up time and again when they needed a clutch three. But he has completely disappeared in the postseason, and like Sam Cassell, Doc Rivers may have to shelve him down the stretch. If he has another terrible game, playing James Posey ahead of him in the 4th quarter may be necessary.

Besides working out the rotation, and figuring out whether Leon Powe should be in instead of Glen Davis or if House should replace Cassell, the Celtics' key to victory seems to hinder on two things: the play of Rajon Rondo, and their defense. In their two wins, Rondo shot 5-10 for 12 points and 5-9 for 11 points. In their two losses, Rondo went 2-9 for 10 points and 2-8 for 4 points. Defensively, they allowed 79 and 80 points in their two wins. In their losses, they allowed 94 and 103. If Boston can limit the score and get good point guard play, they should win Game 5.

If the Boston Celtics win the championship, they'll break the '94 Knicks record for 24 playoff games played (Boston has already played 18). They've already lost 8 times, which is three shy of the playoff record as well. This is not the unstoppable juggernaut we anticipated in July, rather it's a very good team that has been pushed farther than any team in history. Even if they beat the Pistons, a more formidable Western team is around the corner.