The Celtics love bounce back games
The Celtics are now 5 - 0 after losses in the 2022 playoffs. Here are Jayson Tatum’s point totals after their losses.
Game 2 vs. Bucks: 29
Game 4 vs. Bucks: 30
Game 6 vs. Bucks 46
Game 2 vs. Heat 27
Game 4 vs. Heat 31
For all of you non math nerds out there that’s an average of 32.6 points per game after a loss. In those games he is also averaging 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. In the Celtics losses Tatum averages 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists. It’s safe to say the Celtics go as Tatum goes. However, it’s more than that.
In game 4 the Celtics shot 39%/23% from the field. They were 8 - 34 from 3. Jaylen Brown 5 -20. Not great. What won them the game? Defense and limited turnovers. The Heat failed to score a FG in the first 8 minutes. It was 18 - 1 and the game was basically over because Rob Williams and the defense locked up. Timelord being available was not small thing. He is suitable matchup for Bam opposed to Daniel Theis who, god love the man, is simply a liability in this series. Even with the “heart and soul” out of the lineup the Celtics defense was elite. Rob has a lot to with that and so does Big Al Horford. Four blocks for the veteran and another game where his leadership was on full display from the jump. His energy was infectious.
Everyone is now asking the same question. Can they duplicate the performance? Of course Spo and the Heat will respond. Their biggest asset is their toughness which is expected to be on full display Wednesday night. That shouldn’t matter. If the Celtics’ defense, ball control, and health can fire on all cylinders the Heat don’t have enough to keep up. They scored 33 points on turnovers in game 3 and that is basically their only offense. In the half court it’s pretty gross to watch.
It’s time to avoid bounce back games. Take care of business in Miami and close it out at home. Game 7’s are like gas station sushi. Risky at best.
VISIT OUR TAP ROOM
460 Amherst St. Nashua, NH 03063
Click for your next Brew
RAISING THE BAR ONE CRAFT BEER AT A TIME