Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory in game 2 against Miami

By Mark Nilon | Sep 17, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after his shot against Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 15, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Daniel Theis has to play smarter

It has been a common theme by Boston Celtics fans to vocalize the apparent disdain the officiating crew has had for starting center Daniel Theis throughout, not just the postseason, but the bubble as a whole.

Often have we seen the German-native get penalized unnecessarily on questionable calls which, in turn, has limited his usage late in games.

In game one of this Eastern Conference Finals series, however, this was not the case.

Far too often did we see Theis battling too aggressively after losing positioning on box outs and while in post defense and, as a result, racked up fouls faster than anticipated.

Though he did end up logging 35 minutes on the night, he found himself attaining his sixth personal with 3:31 left in the fourth, thus forcing him to miss the remainder of regulation and overtime.

Being that he placed as the second-ranked player in Defensive Real Plus-Minus rating for the 2019-20 season (4.45) his services were undeniably missed late in the game.

Moving forward, Theis has to find a way to play both aggressive and smart should the Cs wish to win game two.

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