Boston Celtics: Three Takeaways From Game 2
By Jeremy Karll
The Celtics Can’t Play a Full Game
It’s as if the Celtics love that they came back from down 26 against the Miami Heat and want to make that a regular occurrence. Sure, they came back after being down 17 in Game 1, but that’s rare in the playoffs. The Celtics have been sleepwalking through the first quarters of both games of this series and it’s cost them.
The defense didn’t show up in Game 1 and the Celtics were down 30-to-19 after one. In Game 2, statistically, it was the worst first quarter a team has ever had in the playoffs. They were down 24-to-7, yes, Boston only managed seven points.
In Game 1, the story was the Celtics were missing a lot of open shots. They weren’t able to get in the lane and when they did Al Horford and Paul Millsap were there waiting for them.
In Game 2, Boston just missed everything. Whether it was wide open, contested, or a layup. The Celtics had many chances near the rim and couldn’t connect. They have to expect a lot of pressure underneath the rim in the playoffs and be able to play through it. At the half, the Celtics were 6-of-22 when in the paint.
Let’s check back in on that #Celtics shot chart at the half…
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 20, 2016
DEAR GOD BLOOD EVERYWHERE pic.twitter.com/GDJRXYAtiD
To say the Celtics finally were able to find their game like in Game 2 would be false. They still managed to tie the Hawks 65-to-65 in the final three quarters and held Atlanta scoreless for the final 5:28 of the first quarter. The defense was found but the offense never came and the Celtics blew a chance against a Hawks’ team who was as cold from the floor as they were.
The Celtics need to get out to a fast start or they won’t win; they can’t rely on making an epic comeback every game. There was still some hope after the dreadful 24-to-3 start, however, that’s not the position you want to be put in. Boston is a second half team but if they’re able to keep the game close in the first half then they can pull away instead of catching up in the third quarter.
Next: Jared Sullinger Must Step Up for Boston Celtics
Atlanta is up 2 games to none heading to Boston and they know the Celtics are discouraged. The Celtics are going to lose another on Friday if they don’t get off to at least a decent start.