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Time for the Boston Celtics to win on the road

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 24: Jaylen Brown #7 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics exchange high fives in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 24, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 24: Jaylen Brown #7 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics exchange high fives in Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 24, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics need to prove they can win on the road in a critical game six against the Milwaukee Bucks

The Boston Celtics came into this series with the best three point defense in the league and the malt road wins in the Eastern Conference. The defense finally got back to where it needs to be in game four, and now it is time for them to have that road success translate as they look to close the series in game six.

The Celtics were the lone top team in the league to win more games on the road than at home, and that can be one of the most valuable assets come playoff time. Even with home court, you are going to need a road win to reach your ultimate goal, and the Celtics need to prove they are comfortable doing that at the higher level.

Even if the Celtics drop this game, they will still be confident in their ability to close it out in game seven. The problem is things are only going to get harder, and they cannot expect to win every home game if they advance to future rounds.

The Celtics put in all the work during the regular season and made it clear that they can win in the tougher situations. The Milwaukee Bucks have far from the most feared home court in the NBA, and this is going to be their easiest opportunity to win on the road in the playoffs.

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It is an elimination game, and the Bucks have their back against the wall, which is always a dangerous combination. That being said, this is the exact kind of experience this young roster needs, and they do not have to fear about being uncomfortable.

Keep in mind, the Bucks are the ones who are really in uncharted territory here. With the Celtics, they have Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier all have multiple playoff outings under their belt with Brad Stevens, and have been in this situation before. They know how hard it is to close a team out, and they know how dangerous it can be to play a desperate team on the road.

For the Bucks, their most significant players do not know what it means to win an elimination game, and defend their home court the way they need to. It could end up benefiting the Bucks, but this is a fresh experience for almost all of them, and Brad Stevens will make sure the Celtics are in a better position heading into the game. Once the game starts all bets might be off, but Boston needs to make sure the exploit anything that comes from the inexperience of the Bucks.

This is the time the Celtics want to get that first road win, largely because of how young the Bucks are. Their roster really has not experienced the impact home court can have in the playoffs, and the elimination game could end up putting too much pressure on a team that is already facing elimination.

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It is not a must win, but you know the Celtics are going to treat it that way. The Celtics will be the more confident and the more comfortable team, and they know if they execute properly their next game will be in the second round of the playoffs.

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