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Boston Celtics: 5 Keys to Winning Game 4

By Andy Goffin

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of game three of round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics is defended by Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of game three of round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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After a forgettable night in Milwaukee, the Celtics hope to regain their momentum in a Game 4 matinée

Game 3 on Friday was definitely not the Boston Celtics‘ night. A well-fought win in Game 1 followed by pure domination in Game 2 put the Celtics in a strong position heading for two games on the road in Milwaukee. But the Bucks had other plans, and they looked like a completely different team on their home court.

A frustrated Brad Stevens sat on the bench as his team consistently got beat possession after possession. Playing on the road in the playoffs for the Celtics’ young core is certainly still unfamiliar for many of the players. When asked to step up into bigger roles due to injuries, the Celtics’ players are often caught under the bright lights and have trouble blocking out a loud Milwaukee crowd.

In Game 4, the Celtics will need the big guns on the road to maintain the series lead. Here is what the Celtics must bring to BMO Harris Bradley Center tomorrow afternoon.

1. Immediately come out with energy to start the game

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If the Celtics open the game passively, the Bucks will only use the crowd to their advantage. The first quarter in Game 3 was utterly embarrassing for the Celtics, who were outscored 12-27 in the first twelve minutes. The energy can only increase for the Bucks thanks to their fans, so the Celtics must generate their own energy from the opening tip.

2. Terry Rozier must bring the same confidence from the first two games of the series

Averaging 23 points in Games 1 and 2, Rozier struggled significantly in Game 3. He committed his first turnover of the series early on in the first quarter, and finished the game with a whopping five giveaways (four in the first quarter). His ongoing rivalry with Eric Bledsoe only pushed Bledsoe to have his best game of the series so far, and Rozier was unable to replicate Bledsoe’s intensity in Game 3. If Rozier can find his shot in Game 4 and return to locking up Bledsoe, he will dramatically help the Celtics’ chances of extending their series lead.

3. Play at the Celtics’ pace and resist the Bucks’ crowd influence

The Celtics looked in control for the entirety of Game 2, and Jaylen Brown and company were able to find their shots. In Game 3, the Celtics never got comfortable, and trailed all game. To win Game 4, each Celtics player must play his game, and the Celtics’ usual pace will follow on the defensive end. The defensive effort must be collective and the place where the Celtics find their energy. If the Celtics play their pace, then they will not be limited by a loud Bucks fanbase.

4. Don’t settle for jump shots

The Celtics struggled to score in the paint in Game 3. They settled for threes early on, attempting seven in their first ten field goal attempts. Greg Monroe was embarrassed inside offensively in Game 3, and found himself attending Thon Maker‘s block party. The Celtics have to be more physical in the paint on offense and cannot be intimidated by the long, athletic Bucks defenders. They must work the ball inside and play with the Celtics’ usual edge.

5. Contain Khris Middleton on offense

Middleton has been virtually unstoppable through the first three games, scoring 81 points and shooting 63% from three-point land. The Celtics have struggled to match up defensively with Middleton, and have been victims to Middleton’s impressive isolation game. They need to help more on his isolation and prevent him from having his back to the basket for an easy turnaround. It is unlikely the Celtics will be able to stop his hot shooting streak; but if they can prevent many of the situations where he usually scores, he will have to work harder to find his shots.

Next: Brown and Tatum too Valuable

The Celtics must bring their best in Game 4 and be the aggressors on all angles of the floor. A win in Game 4 is so valuable to head back home for Game 5 with momentum and a series lead. The Sunday matinée is the most crucial game so far, and the Celtics must find a way to pull out a playoff win on the road.

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