After writing last week that it felt weird to see the Celtics undefeated in the second round, they have come back down to earth after game two and three. After the dominate win in game one, the Celtics have faced trouble against Giannis and the Bucks.
(https://www.falkensports.com/nba/celtics-vs-bucks-game-3-nba-playoffs-2018-19/)
Game two saw the Bucks defeating the Celtics 123-102. This was a dominate but expected game from the Bucks. After losing game one at home, you expect the home team to bounce back with a big game. The Celtics started the game strong winning the first quarter but then were outplayed the rest of the game. The Bucks went back to be the team from the regular season that lead the league in points per game. They were lead by Giannis with 29 points, Middleton with 28, and Bledsoe with 21.
In game three the Celtics looked to be fighting back after a first half leading 56-55. Again the Bucks jumped on the Celtics in the second half, especially the third quarter to win the game. Despite the Celtics never ending fight, they came up short in a comeback and the Bucks won 123-116. The Celtics had six double digit scorers but were out dueled by the Bucks offense. The offense produced Giannis with 32, Hill with 21, and Middleton with 20.
I think the biggest thing for the Celtics to bounce back tomorrow and take game four is to go back to the game plan from game one and to be consistent from tip-off to the final buzzer. The game plan that worked was to do whatever it took to take Giannis out of the paint and keeping Middleton in check. This forces the other players on the Bucks to try to beat the Celtics. The third quarter have been were they have been defeated in the last two games. They need to come out and play with the same intensity and grit that they start the game with.
(https://www.freesupertips.co.uk/us-sports/previews/boston-celtics-vs-milwaukee-bucks-game-3-picks-predictions-and-betting-tips/)
One last thing that could help the Celtics Monday is the potential return of Marcus Smart. He has been moved to questionable for game four and that could be huge for the Celtics as a boast to the team intensity and morale. I can’t wait for game four!
(https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/24/marcus-smart-cleared-to-play-boston-celtics-milwaukee-bucks-game-5/)