The Boston Celtics were seen as many as one of the teams capable of pulling the upset in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Brad Stevens’ boys were forced to square against an experienced, resilient team like the Atlanta Hawks, but they looked pretty competitive in Game 1 where they lost by only one point despite having a huge deficit early in the first half.
Game 2 was completely different, however, and the Celtics looked completely lost on both ends of the court. The Hawks cruised their way to an easy 89-72 win that put them in a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series, but most importantly put Boston in a huge hole that might be too much for them to overcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdTBVOCWpl0&w=854&h=480
Several things have conspired against the Celtics being in this position. The lack of experience and lack of depth can certainly be an issue but this is not something the current roster can control right now. Execution, however, is a whole different story, and the Celtics need to do a better job early on games, especially after they scored only seven points in Game 2’s first 12 minutes.
To put things into perspective: Boston’s seven points in the first quarter are the fewest ever scored in the first 12 minutes of a playoff game since the shot clock was introduced back in the 1954-55 season.
Injuries have also taken a toll in Boston’s scheme. Jae Crowder might be having a career year, but he doesn’t seem to be the same player he was early in the season. To make matters worse, Avery Bradley suffered a serious hamstring injury in Game 1, and his status is doubtful for the rest of the series. Bradley’s presence is key for Boston as he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in The Association, but he’s also a perfect complement for Isaiah Thomas in the backcourt. Marcus Smart (who started Game 2) and Evan Turner need to step their game up if Bradley can’t return.
Speaking of Thomas, the All-Star point guard can’t do everything on his own. Even though he scored 27 and 16 points respectively in the first two games, he seems to be taking a huge load of the offense, and that’s not a recipe for success. The likes of Crowder, Turner and Jared Sullinger need to produce more on the offensive side of the ball if Boston wants to keep their chances alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPkNfhiGip4&w=854&h=480
Boston might have one of the brighest young head coaches in the NBA in the form of Stevens, but Atlanta can state the same claim with the presence of Mike Budenholzer. The former Spurs’ assistant coach has been very successful in the past two seasons with Atlanta, and he has shown the ability to make the necessary adjustments both in-game and between contests.
One thing is for certain: the Celtics are in serious trouble, and they need to react as quickly as possible. Otherwise, they will exit the playoffs in the first round for the second straight year.