Four-Point Play: Will Celtics' Big 3 split with Game 7 loss? (USA TODAY)

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By Adi Joseph, USA TODAY

Updated 4h 36m ago

Four key points in the aftermath of the Miami Heat's 101-88 victory Saturday to clinch the Eastern Conference championship 4-3 against the Boston Celtics:

Ray Allen had to stop himself. He let out of a heavy sigh. "We've fought hard to keep it together. There's so many emotions. This one hit me hard," he had started.

CAPTION

By Steve Mitchell, US Presswire

There were no tears. Allen looked toward the cameras at his news conference and continued his eulogy. "We wanted it so bad," he said.

Coach Doc Rivers pulled Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondowith 28.3 seconds remaining. Allen stood on the sideline staring up at the scoreboard, hoping somehow to see the Heat's lead melt away. When the final buzzer sounded, he walked around, aimlessly exchanging pleasantries with Miami players.

Allen may never play another game as a Celtic. Garnett may not, either. The Big 3 era in Boston could crumble this offseason, as only Rondo and Pierce remain under contract among the team's primary rotation players from Game 7.

The Celtics must rebuild, with Rondo at the center. He's the young star, the one who led the team with 22 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in Game 7, becoming the first player in NBA history to record two Game 7 triple-doubles (his first came in the East semifinals vs. the Philadelphia 76ers).

STORY: Heat survive, advance to NBA Finals

"I just want to stick with this group for a little longer, whether it's a couple days, a couple months," Rivers said, whistfully, after the game. He knows it's unlikely. Allen's facing ankle surgery, and Garnett will come with a hefty price tag even at 36. Forward Brandon Bass, the emerging fifth starter, has an option to opt out of his contract. Role players such as Mickael Pietrus and Keyon Dooling may find new homes, as well.

So, if this is the end of the Big 3 era in Boston, the end of a five-year run comprising 327 wins, 160 losses, one NBA title and a second East title, what does it mean?

The 2007-08 champion Celtics paved the way for the Heat team that's eliminated them in consecutive seasons. For five seasons, we witnessed staunch defense, fearless shooting and an intensity unmatched by any team. Rondo ascended and turned the Big 3 to a Big 4, and injuries hobbled the team all the way to the finish.

"I wish we could have had healthy runs," Rivers said. "I don't know. Because of, really, Kevin's injuries, I don't know if we could have gotten any more out of the group. I would have loved to have seen this team if this whole stretch was injury-free."

The Big 3 have staying power. They'll be remembered for opening the door, perhaps undesireably, to a new wave in NBA team building. They'll be remembered for the defense. They'll be remembered for Garnett's push-ups and screams and chest-pounds.

But it's time to break up the band. This game waits for no team, and the money the Celtics have available this offseason could go a long way toward rebuilding with a younger squad around Rondo. They started slowly this season, and Garnett was a shell of his former self until being rejuvenated in the playoffs. Allen provided only flashes of his former self throughout the season, though he could be a key weapon off the bench for any team.

Midway through the fourth quarter, LeBron James hit a three-pointer from about five feet beyond the line on the wing to give Miami a 91-84 lead. On the next possession, Allen found himself wide open for his own three. The most prolific shooter in NBA history was unable to answer.

"We've played in a lot of big games," Allen said. "We've won a championship together. The things that we do off the floor together. It's been a special time. It's been a special moment."

CAPTION

By Steve Mitchell, US Presswire

Dwyane Wade was aggressive in the first half again, and it paid off. His first-half numbers weren't gaudy — nine points, five assists, 3-for-8 shooting — but he was in control and running the Heat offense smoothly. Wade running the point makes a lot of sense for the Heat, who need to lighten James' workload. Mario Chalmers had a few excellent drives, but Wade is a better ballhandler and passer. Wade also added nine points in the fourth quarter, when only he, Bosh and James scored for Miami, combining for 28 points. And his alley-oop pass to James in transition near the end of the first half was awesome. Almost as good as the dunk. The halftime kiss of Gloria James, LeBron's mother, was a nice touch. LeBron James and Wade have embraced each other as brothers, so it's not surprising Wade is close with Gloria James, too. And, from our vantage point, it appeared to land on the cheek.

Bass earned himself a nice paycheck in Game 7. He did a decent job guarding James, an impossible task, and he provided a lot of life for the Celtics' offense in the first half, before Rondo took over the scoring load. Bass is a sturdy, talented power forward who dealt with anonymity playing for the awkwardly constructed Orlando Magic teams of the previous two seasons. But he's emerged, and Boston would be wise to keep him. Even on James' deep three-pointer, Bass was all over him, showcasing his versatility and quickness. It helps that he's got a nice new clip for his highlight reel after posterizing Wade.

CAPTION

By Steve Mitchell, US Presswire

Chris Bosh is back; get used to it. The Heat forward hit eight of 10 shots, including three three-pointers. The last time he made three from beyond the arc in a single game? Jan. 8, 2003, when he was playing for Georgia Tech against Cornell. Game 7 was his third since returning from a mid-May abdominal strain, and he looked fully healed. When healthy, Bosh isn't an X factor. He was one of the 10 best players in the league before joining James and Wade in Miami, and he's still capable of taking over when the Heat need him. His 19 points and eight rebounds weren't an aberration; the Oklahoma City Thunder better expect that type of output.

See photos of: Boston Celtics, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett,Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce

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BOSTON CELTICS DWYANE WADE KEVIN GARNETTRAY ALLEN CHRIS BOSH PAUL PIERCE