The Time Has Come For The Celtics To End Their First Round Series
Brian Babineau. Getty Images.No need to make things overly complicated, it's pretty simple what the deal is tonight.
Win the game, and this series is over.
That's not my hubris talking, that's NBA history talking. Not once, in the history of the NBA, has a team come back from a 3-0 deficit to win the series. Teams up 3-0 are 147-0 all time. In the first round, it's 50-0. Of those 147, a total of 90 of them were done in 4 games, with 43 wrapping up in 5.
The point is, the Celtics have an opportunity to effectively end this series tonight. Let's not forget, their second round opponent did what they had to do, smashed some testicles, and walked out of Brooklyn with a 3-0 lead. That series is over. That means it's time to keep pace and make sure there isn't any sort of potential rest advantage for Round 2.
It's one thing to take of business on your home floor against a team that's 17-24 on the road. It's another when that same team is 24-17 at home, and in theory, is going to get better production from their role players seeing as how in most cases role players play well at home. Also, I'm pretty sure the Hawks still use that screeching Hawks sound on 3PM and that thing is literally the worst. I cannot stand that gimmick but I do know it's usually accompanied by big momentum 3PM.
That means if the Celts want to end this series tonight, they have to play with the same mental approach we saw in Game 2. There was no complacency or assumption that they were going to win simply by showing up. They played the right way and the results were what we all wanted to see.
There's also this little nugget to consider.
Eric Espada. Getty Images.That's right, the NBA has sent "The Extender" to Atlanta tonight for Game 3. This tells me the Celts are going to have to be even more locked in and prepared for any type of shenanigans. Maybe that's 2 early fouls to someone, or maybe that's more non calls on drives. The point is, the Celts have to remain focused and not let any potential bullshit get in the way. I think we can all agree, that doesn't always happen with this team.
Game 2 was about not letting all the good work from the Game 1 win go to waste. Game 3 is about stepping on throats and ripping the heart out of your opponent. This is something if you remember the Celts had some issues with during their run last year. When they had an opportunity to make things easier for themselves, they laid an egg. It happened in Round 2, it happened in Round 3, and it happened in Round 4. This is their opportunity to show some growth. It's a chance for us to see how Joe has them prepared for this pretty big opportunity.
It's been fairly clear through 2 games that the Celts have both a talent and matchup advantage in this series, and there's no reason we shouldn't see more of it in Game 3. The time has come for their two best players to effectively end the Hawks' season, and to do that it's important that we see a full 48 minute effort. If you're worried about burnout in a potential long playoff run, these are the games you have to win. Don't make life harder than it needs to be. That means collective rebounding, ball security, unselfish play, and defensive energy.
We all have bigger expectations for this playoff run, but in order to get to those moments, you have to seize your opportunities to bury your opponent. Don't fuck around and play with your food, don't give the Hawks an ounce of life or confidence.
And please, don't smash anyone in the dick. The Celts are good enough to win without that.
