1. Playoff time is Tony Allen time

Maybe a little strong, but when Ray Allen left the game with a bloody nose the Celtics got a huge lift off the bench from Tony Allen, who scored eight points and played his usual brand of physical defense on Dwyane Wade.

2.  The bench stepped up

A (much-deserved) target all season long, the Celtics’ bench was terrific in the opening quarter, scoring 13 points on six-of-seven shooting. Nine Celtics played in the first quarter (also nine for the Heat.)

3. Flu no factor for Rondo

Rajon Rondo played 10:11 in the first quarter, scoring four points (making both of his shots) with a pair of assists. He was able to get to the basket at will and looks to be the toughest matchup for the Heat.

4. Wade has come to play

One of the league’s elite players looked every bit the part in the first, hitting four-of-five shots on his way to a nine-point quarter.

5. Pierce struggles, KG shines

Paul Pierce looked to be forcing the issue at times in the first, hitting just one-of-four shots. Garnett, however, was all over the court in his 10 minutes of play, scoring four points with four rebounds and three assists.