Boston Celtics: 3 keys to taking the series lead in Game 3

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 03, 2022 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 03, 2022 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Celtics (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Points in the paint

One thing the Boston Celtics were decent at all season was attacking the rim. They finished the year at 17th in paint scoring which, though may not be great, it’s not bad when you combine it with the other aspects of their game.

Milwaukee’s defense this series has been centered around protecting the basket. This is why the C’s have continued to pile on the 3-pointers.

The Bucks were so stout with their interior defense, that it forced Boston to shoot 50 triples in Game 1 and 43 in Game 2. They made franchise history by knocking down 20 of those attempts in the second outing.

It’s always a positive sign to knock down that many treys, but you won’t hit a franchise record every night.

For Boston to win, they need to focus on becoming more apt to scoring inside. Let Theis deploy the trusty seal, and have the Jays play through the screens of the bigs.

When the Celtics play off of the Jays driving to the hoop, it seems to open up the floor for their surrounding talents. Stan Van Gundy talked about “multiple drives” often on the last game’s broadcast, as the shamrocks drive and kick quite often.

Expect more of these drives to result in shot attempts in the lane, especially if Marcus Smart is back in the lineup. For the Boston Celtics to win Game 3, they must crack the code that is the Bucks interior defense.