As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect.

The Boston Celtics would seem to be adhering to that notion in figuring out how to beat the juggernaut Miami Heat in three straight games to get within one victory of the NBA Finals.

Or so you would think.

From Peter May of the New York Times:

The last time the Celtics practiced was before the start of the playoffs in April [...] They have done nothing in the playoffs but watch film and go through game plans on day-of-game shootarounds.

Wow.

Credit head coach Doc Rivers and his staff for understanding exactly what aging guys like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce need to be successful during a lockout-shortened season. His players should also be commended for making the necessary adjustments virtually on the fly.

Even if they win Thursday night and get some more time off to prepare for the streaking Oklahoma City Thunder, don't expect much to change.

As Rajon Rondo told the NYT, “Obviously, we’re in the Eastern Conference finals, so it hasn’t hurt us.”