Preview: Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Game 4

The Celtics will have Isaiah Thomas and hope to even the series at two games a piece

Everything clicked for the Boston Celtics in Game 3. Their offense was the best we’ve seen in the playoffs and the defense didn’t lose a beat. Isaiah Thomas went off for a career-high 42-points, however there was questions whether or not he would be suspended for Game 4 after hitting Dennis Schroder on the head. The NBA decided not to suspend Thomas, which is great news for the Celtics. Intensity is high during the playoffs, however, dumb moves like that can change a series for the worse.

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Brad Stevens has seemingly figured out a starting lineup that works against the Hawks. Jonas Jerebko and Evan Turner are now starting, and it has resulted in Jared Sullinger falling out of the rotation. Sullinger was a big part of the Celtics’ gameplan in the regular season, however, he hasn’t been able to get anything going on offense and is getting abused on defense.

Keys to Game 4:

• The Celtics are going to need to get off to another fast start. If their shots aren’t falling then it allows Atlanta to play off of them and the lane will be clogged again. Jonas Jerebko adds another three-point threat to the starting lineup, however, it was clear Atlanta didn’t respect his outside shot early. If they get more open shots from three then they could gain another double-digit lead early.
• Boston needs to get out in transition. Their team is made to run and their most successful stretches this series have been when the game is played at a faster-tempo. It’s clear that the Hawks’ frontcourt abuses the Celtics down low when they play in half-court, however, Evan Turner and Isaiah Thomas both thrive when playing fast.
• It may seem weird but the Celtics don’t need to be afraid of keeping the game chippy. It’s the playoffs and emotions are high. Brad Stevens doesn’t want stupid antics like Thomas hitting Dennis Schroder on the head, however, playing with emotion and not backing down in the playoffs is key.
• Paul Millsap has to have a big game eventually, right? Millsap torched the Celtics in the regular season but has been relatively quiet in the playoffs. He was a mere 3-of-9 from the field in Game 3 and the Celtics were happy to hold him to eight points. He’s due for a big game, but the Celtics need to continue to put a lot of pressure on him and give him problems.
• As big of a disappointment as Millsap has been this series, Jae Crowder has been even worse. He shot a terrible 1-of-11 from the field in Game 3 and, besides a couple of steals, he hasn’t done anything. He had to step up and be a bigger part of the offense with Avery Bradley out, but he so far he hasn’t done so. Now, the Celtics are hoping to get anything out of him on offense. He would be a huge boost for the Celtics if he can get anything on offense going.

Next: What Went Right In Game 3?

TD Garden was rocking during Game 3 and I don’t expect anything less on Sunday. This is another must-win game for the Celtics, as they don’t want to go down three games to one. The Celtics are coming off their best game of the series and maybe it’ll spark a stretch of good games. The Hawks may have the series lead but they’ve been anything but overly impressive this series. Boston is still in this, and winning at home is a must in the playoffs.