Final Score: Celtics 106, Heat 77

While the media focused on the player who was absent from Game 2 of the Celtics-Heat series, the story from the game was how little Boston missed him.

Kevin Garnett was suspended for this game, yet the Celtics easily disposed of the Heat and won the game by 29 points.

Ray Allen put on an absolute shooting clinic, going 7 for 9 from the three point line. The best pure shooter in the game had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Celtics used a 44-8 run from the beginning of the second quarter until the middle of the third, in which the Heat simply could not stop the fluid ball movement of the Boston offense. Rajon Rondo raced from end to end and set up teammates with easy baskets.

Glen "Big Baby" Davis stepped in the lineup for the missing Garnett and had a huge game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 8 boards. Check out my Blog from before the game which pointed out that the Celtics might actually be a better offensive team, and have better team chemistry, with Davis than with Garnett.

There's no question that Kevin Garnett is one of the emotional leaders for Boston, and the key reason why they took home the NBA Championship 2 seasons ago. But in the 2010 playoffs, it appears that Garnett's impact has diminished. He's still a defensive force and intense competitor, but Boston can play their offensive game with or without him.

Dwyane Wade had 29 points for the Heat in this game, but nobody else showed up for Miami. Only two other players were in double figures, and they could not defend the up-tempo Boston offense.

Paul Pierce had 13 points for Boston, and Kendrick Perkins added 15 and 9 rebounds. Rajon Rondo scored just 8 points but was very effective. He had 12 assists and 7 rebounds and was constantly running the show in transition and in a sped-up half court offense.

Ray Allen's aforementioned 25 points helped put the Heat out of their misery. He knocked down 9 three pointers, many of which were contested looks. When Allen is on, the slightest clean look at the basket could lead to 3 points on the board.

When Boston plays like they did on Tuesday night, you get glimpses of a squad that can compete for a championship. But in order to do so, they need to figure out what Garnett's role will be when he returns.

Clearly, Boston runs a great offense without Garnett dominating the touches. Coach Rivers might need to tell the future Hall of Famer that he needs to be happy with a diminished role in the offense and just look to get good looks inside and be ready to hit open jump shots. When Rondo dominates the ball and moves it around to others, the Celtics get their best chances to score easy baskets.

As for Miami, they just need people to step up. Dwyane Wade is getting absolutely no help in this series. Michael Beasley needs to be more aggressive inside and others need to be ready to shoot when they have open looks. The Heat are not going to have a chance in the series without others contributing.

The series heads to Miami for Games 3 and 4, so we'll see if the Heat role players can contribute more on their home floor.