Hardwood Houdini
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Oh Boy, This Boston Celtics Team is Fun

By Jordan Van Beek

May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier (12) reacts with fans after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier (12) reacts with fans after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Don’t get so caught up in the analysis of this Boston Celtics team, try to sit back and enjoy greatness.

Yes, the first two games of the NBA Playoffs for the Celtics were not fun in any way, that’s pretty clear. But ever since Game three in round one against the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics have been so entertaining to watch.

Isaiah Thomas‘ scoring might not have been the story of the Bulls series, but the ball movement was definitely pretty to watch. Seeing everyone getting involved and contribute to the wins without Thomas leading the way was a breath of fresh air.

Boston went into the postseason with doubts that they could win if Thomas wasn’t able to score. So having Al Horford play out of his mind in the playoffs and seeing Avery Bradley picking up his offensive game is a sigh of relief for the Celtics. The emergence of Gerald Green against the Bulls was fantastic. Also, with great bench contributions from players like Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier, the Celtics have been playing at another level.

Heading into this series against the Washington Wizards, everyone knew how great and competitive it would be. If there is such a thing as a rivalry in today’s NBA, it would be the Celtics and the Wizards. Over the course of the past two seasons, the tension between the teams has increased. It was only a matter of time before they clashed in the playoffs.

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Game one against the Wizards was a great offensive showing for both teams, as they both shot over 50%. After falling down 16-0 and trailing by as much as 17, the Celtics heated up from deep, hitting 19 3-pointers. The first half of this game was controlled by Washington, but the Celtics ran away with it in the second half, coming away with the 123-111 win.

The opening game of the East Semifinals was just a little preview of what to expect in this series: a high scoring offensive showing.

Tuesday night’s overtime game was one of the best Celtics’ playoff games we’ve seen since the Celtics vs. Bulls series back in 2009. A great offensive battle between two of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference, Thomas and John Wall. We’re not going to debate who’s the better player or anything like that. Instead, we’re going to take a step back from all the analytics and debates and just focus on appreciating the greatness that we are all witnessing.

In any normal game, Wall’s 40 points and 13 assists would be the headlines. But this wasn’t a normal game, this was an instant classic. Thomas’ whopping 53 points was nothing short of remarkable. He seemed to just have his way throughout all of the fourth quarter and overtime. Nothing should be taken away from either Thomas’ or Wall’s performance, they both played an incredible game. But Thomas was unstoppable late in Game two.

The Celtics’ star point guard was definitely feeling himself. He actually kept going at Markieff Morris, staring him down after hitting big shots over Morris. Things are only getting more heated, as Game two was filled with bodies crashing to the floor, head butts, and bloody noses.

But there was much more to this Game two than Thomas vs. Wall. Many players stepped up in crunch time to make big time shots such as Rozier hitting a game-tying 3-pointer with 1:38 left. Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre Jr. both had 3-pointers to give the Wizards the lead. How could you forget Bradley’s clutch defense on Wall in overtime?

If you haven’t been able to watch the first two games of this series, you’re really missing out.

Next: Boston Celtics Should Expect More Bradley Beal

As the Celtics head into Game 3 on Thursday in Washington D.C., the stakes will be high as Boston will try to take a controlling 3-0 lead over the Wizards. Be ready for another dogfight.

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