2 players that must step up for the Boston Celtics in Game Two

Boston Celtics player No. 1) Daniel Theis

Coming into the series, there was plenty of drama surrounding the C’s frontcourt, particularly in regard to the negitive impact that Robert Williams‘ absence could have on them and their game plan.

Taking things a step further, in the days leading up to Game One, Brooklyn guard, Bruce Brown, was talking down about Boston’s big man rotation.

Now, while it’s undeniable that the starting center’s lacking attendence in the lineup would obviously be felt, we, along with many other C’s fans came into the series believing that the duo of both Al Horford and Daniel Theis could go on to hold down the fort until he makes his way back to on-court action.

On opening day, the former certainly went on to prove that he can step up with Williams out, as he went on to register 20 points and 15 rebounds (six offensive) while also providing some great defensive efforts along the way.

Unfortunately, however, the latter of the two talents mentioned did not find as much success on the night, as he went on to struggle in many different of areas.

Getting into foul trouble early, Theis racked up two personals within the first five minutes of action, relegating him to the bench for the remainder of the first. Upon returning in the second, the veteran would go on to nab his third foul within a similar time-frame and, once again, we saw him being subbed out for the rest of the quarter.

One can easily come to the assumption that these early troubles made it a bit difficult for the veteran to find his groove in the game, as he logged less than nine minutes combined in the first half and ended the game with just four points, six boards, and four fouls while shooting an abysmal 16.7 percent from the field on rather simple attempts that just didn’t fall.

However, whether this is the reason for his lowly outing or not, the fact still remains that he stunk in his first playoff game back with the Boston Celtics, and it was especially disheartening when considering the fact that he’s the direct replacement for Rob Williams within this title-hopeful lineup.

They managed to get past the Brooklyn Nets with a key starter like Theis playing so poorly on both ends of the ball.

In Game Two, should he continue this lackluster level of production, don’t expect the C’s to get so lucky again.

They’re going to need all hands on deck in this series on a nightly basis, and the German native needs to rise to the occasion moving forward.