Boston Celtics: Three Storylines to Follow heading into Game 3

Three Storylines to Follow after the Celtics Game 2 win

The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 120-106 in commanding fashion on Tuesday, as Jaylen Brown erupted for a playoff career-high 30 points.

While the C’s continue to roll into a pivotal game 3 in Milwaukee, here are three things to keep an eye on heading into Friday’s contest.

1. Jaylen Brown continues to shine

While Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier are some of the more talented offensive weapons the Celtics employ, Jaylen Brown has shown an uncanny ability to score in this first series vs Milwaukee.

Scoring a combined 50 points in these first two contests, Brown’s shooting has been at an all-time high when it comes to efficiency. He is currently attempting around 8 shots from deep per game, connecting on 41 percent of his looks.

And while his play has been sensational, Brown refuses to pay attention to his individual success. Instead, he focuses on his team’s effort and proving people wrong as a unit.

"“To be honest, I don’t even pay attention to it”, Brown responded when asked about his improved play. “I’ve just been playing basketball all year. My teammates help me out a lot by finding me. Terry (Rozier) found me a lot throughout the course of the game and I was able to take some shots. Ultimately, we just want to win games, so that’s the only thing that we are concerned with. We are confident as ever. Teams have been writing us off all year and we just keep proving people wrong, so that’s what we’re going to do.”"

To put his performance in Game 2 into perspective, Brown tied Giannis for game high in points, and Antetokounmpo is considered one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NBA.

Look for Brown to continue his extraordinary offensive display on Friday.

2. Eric Bledsoe in a funk

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Eric Bledsoe might not know who Rozier is, but Rozier sure seemed to have Bledsoe’s number so far this series.

While Antetokounmpo and Middleton carry most of the weight offensively for the Bucks, Bledsoe was brought along to help alleviate some of the pressure put on Giannis by spacing the floor and acting as a spark-plug, much like Shane Larkin does for the Celtics but in a bigger role.

Bledsoe’s struggles are relatively recent, as his production throughout the year has been nothing short of starting-caliber production. He averaged 17.5 ppg this season while shooting 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc.

But it’s been the consistent pressure exerted on Bledsoe by Rozier and Larkin that has kept him in check, limiting him to 21 combined points in this series on just 36 percent shooting from the field.

He might not know who Rozier is right now, but Bledsoe better figure it out before the series gets out of control.

3. Shane Larkin thriving as backup

Larkin is not a player who is highlighted often, but his play deserves praise.

While Larkin is often regarded as an undersized back-up point guard whose only ability is to change the pace of the game, his defensive presence was an essential part to the C’s victory in Game 2.

But don’t take it from me, take it from the man who has seen his play every day this season.

"“He was very good,” Brad Stevens told reporters after Game 2. “He’s been great defensively two straight games now, and then offensively I thought he found his rhythm. He attacked, beat people off the dribble on a number of occasions, made plays for himself and others, and played really aggressively. The shot at the end of the third was a big play from the standpoint of you go from 12 to 15, you get to start with the ball in the fourth, like, that’s a huge, huge difference. He made a ton of big plays, and defensively he’s been great all year but the last two games he’s been very good.”"

Larkin’s contributions on both sides of the ball are essential for the Celtics’ success in Milwaukee. Rozier will continue to thrive as the starter and the Brown-Tatum duo will continue to put up big numbers.

Next: Jaylen Brown Ready to be the Face of the Franchise

But it’s the little things that Larkin brings to the table that will give Boston a much needed edge heading into Friday night’s contest.