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Expect the C’s to Bounce Back in Game 2 Against Chicago

By Aiden McAleer

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets a hug from guard Avery Bradley (0) after hitting a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets a hug from guard Avery Bradley (0) after hitting a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics can and must bounce back in Game 2 against the Chicago Bulls

The current landscape of sports journalism, with its emphasis on social media and rapid reactions, ultimately lends itself to being overly critical or positive of a team following a single game.  While one could make the argument that the Celtics probably should have lost Game 1 by more given the Bulls’ enormous 53-36 rebounding advantage, it is important not to overreact after a single game.

This series is not a traditional 1 vs. 8 seed match-up that typically results in a quick sweep. While the Celtics had an excellent season, the late season collapse of the Cavs and the overall parity in the Eastern Conference prevented a team from winning over 60 games and running away with the number 1 seed.  

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Anyone who thought the Celtics would sweep the Bulls, failed to realize that while the Bulls are the inferior team, but they have matched up well against Boston all year. The Bulls split the series from the Celtics this year 2-2, with three out of the fours contests played tightly. They have an All-NBA caliber player in Jimmy Butler, who possesses the ability to carry his team to victory almost single-handedly with his combined offensive and defensive prowess.

The Bulls have also been playing better as of late, finishing the season strongly with a 7-3 record over their last ten games to clinch the 8 seed, a display of resilience following all of the locker room drama they exhibited earlier in the year.

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) goes under Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) goes under Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Nonetheless, Boston should be able to win this series in six games.  With the tragic loss of Isaiah Thomas’ sister occurring just prior to Game 1, Thomas and the Celtics faced a great deal of adversity, yet still almost found a way to win the game.  Expect the supporting cast to play better in support of Thomas in Game 2, particularly Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart.

While Butler poured in 30 points, the excellent play of Bobby Portis was the difference in the game.  It is expected that a premier scorer like Butler gets close to 30 every night, but allowing a role player in Portis to shoot 8-10 from the field and 3-4 from three is simply unacceptable. Luckily, Brad Stevens is a masterful game-planner and should be able to keep guys like Portis under wraps.

Next: Isaiah Thomas will Play in Game 2 vs Bulls

If the Celtics can improve slightly in the rebounding margin, interior defense, and hit a few more shots from the perimeter, all aspects of the game they are more than capable of correcting, they will advance. Keep the faith Celtics fans and expect the C’s to bounce back in Game 2.

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