5 Takeaways from Boston Celtics – Milwaukee Bucks Series

With the Celtics moving onto the Eastern Conference Semis, we take a look at how they were ultimately able to defeat the Bucks.

1. Semi’s insertion into the starting lineup

Brad Stevens decided to place Semi Ojeleye into the starting lineup for Games 5-7 for the purpose of putting a physical body on Giannis. In Games 1-4, Giannis shot 62.6 percent from the field. In games 5-7, he shot 49.2 percent from the field. Ojeleye was able to force Giannis into tough situations in the paint, contested fadeaway jumpers, and ultimately made his life much more difficult.

Despite the injuries, Brad Stevens always finds ways to make the best of what he has available to him. Stevens outcoached Prunty in this series and this was just one adjustment that helped propel the Celtics to the next round.

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2. Marcus Smart’s return 

Marcus Smart immediately brought his energy, tenacity, and defensive impact as soon as he stepped onto the court for Game 5. Smart had four steals and four blocks in three games, while also recording 11 rebounds and 11 assists. He rejuvenated this team when they needed a boost. Boston will definitely need him going forward.

3. Al Horford is the steady glue-guy

Al Horford topped off his first round series with 26 points and eight rebounds in Game 7 (13-17 from the field). He also had three double-doubles in the series. Whether it is his leadership in the locker room, his defensive versatility, passing, IQ, rebounding, or post work, Horford does it all for this team.

He is the foundation for this team and the ultimate glue-guy. Despite the injuries and the youth on this team, Horford has been able to keep this team connected together. You sometimes take what he does for granted because his game isn’t flashy, but you have to appreciate everything he does for this basketball team.

4. Brown, Tatum, and Rozier

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Terry Rozier were all sensational in this series. Brown scored 20 points or more three times (20 points, 30 points, 34 points), Tatum scored 20 points or more three times (21 points, 22 points, 20 points), and Rozier scored 20 points or more three times (23 points, 23 points, 26 points).

Rozier especially, with the injury to Kyrie Irving, stepped up to the plate and took the starting point guard role on like it was a challenge. By the end of the series, Eric Bledsoe knew who Rozier was. All three of the Celtics youngsters are under 25 years of age, but it sure didn’t seem like that in this series.

5. Brown’s Health is in Question 

According to Brad Stevens, Jaylen Brown “still has some soreness” in his hamstring and is doubtful for tomorrow’s Game 1, per the Boston Celtics’ Twitter page. This is a huge blow for an already injured Boston squad, who can’t afford to lose any more of their core pieces. Brown is an essential part to the series against the Sixers because of his defensive ability.

Brown would be called upon to guard Ben Simmons at times, as well as players like J.J. Redick and Robert Covington on the perimeter. The Celtics did announce that testing results “looked good” and Brown could play early in the series. Hopefully he returns as soon as possible, because they will need him if they hope to get past Philadelphia.

Next: Injuries continue with Jaylen Brown in game 7

The Celtics were able to take down the Bucks in seven games, but it was a long series. The Celtics didn’t win any games on the road which is alarming. The good news is that this team gets to play their first two games against the Sixers at home, so you know the Celtics will be ready to feed off the energy at the TD Garden.