MIAMI -- Rajon Rondo's words "hit the deck" were ringing in the ears of Miami Heat players as they prepared for the Boston Celtics' response in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Frustrated with themselves that they allowed Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to have their way going to the basket in Monday's Game 1, the Celtics quickly promised to be more physical with the Heat in Wednesday's Game 2. A particular vow from Rondo, who said "nothing dirty but they have to hit the deck, too," got the Heat's attention.

"I expect to be quote, unquote 'put on the deck' or whatever the case may be and then you go to the free throw line," said James, who had 32 points in the Heat's 93-79 Game 1 win. "I don't need to prepare for something I already think is going to happen every game."

"We're men just like they're men; we're not going to let anyone just come and punk us," said Wade, who had 22 points in Game 1. "That is not our mentality, to go out there and make people hit the deck."

The Celtics' response was typical of a team that lost Game 1 of a series -- a desire to change the aggression level or increase physical play is a common response for a team that wants to shift the momentum in its favor. But this is a bit of an atypical problem for Boston, a team known for its defensive toughness and for punishing opponents with fouls near the basket.