The Clover Report: Week 28
It’s a word the Boston Celtics have used a lot in the Brad Stevens era but this another time to use it again. Progress, the Celtics have once again made progress. After winning 3 straight games, the Celtics traveled to Chicago for Game 6 with a chance to advance the second round for the 1st time in the Stevens’ era. While the Celtics showed up, I don’t think the Bulls did. The Celtics dominated from the tip to win the game 105—83 and won the series 4—2. Every starter scored at least 12 points, in which Avery Bradley led the way with 23 points. It was a sweet moment for the Celtics, considering you had idiots like me saying the Celtics we’re done down 0—2. They finally got the monkey off their back and it was time to move forward.
The Celtics would find out that their second round opponent would be the talented Washington Wizards. With no time to rest the series opened on Sunday, just 2 days after closing out the Bulls. To say the Celtics came out a bit sluggish would be an understatement. The Wizards scored the first 16 points of the game and scored 38 points in the 1st quarter. But after that, the Celtics bounced back and proceeded to outscore the Wizards 71—42 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Celtics won Game 1 123—111 in what was by far their most electric offensive performance in the postseason. The Celtics as a team shot 51% from the floor and hit an amazing 19 3s! Jae Crowder, Al Horford, and Isaiah Thomas all had incredible games. Thomas, who had his tooth knocked out in the 1st quarter, led the way in scoring with 33 points and dished out 9 assists. Crowder came out of his slump and hit a postseason high six 3’s to go along with a postseason high 24 points. Finally Horford had another great overall game as he scored 21 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists. It was a great comeback win as the offense was as good as it has been all season.
As for Game 2, it was a much more important game for Washington and star John Wall knew that. He came out and played like his hair was on fire as he scored 19 points (40 in total) in the 1st quarter alone as Washington once again got out to a fast start. They led 42—29 after one but it wouldn’t last long. Similar to Game 1, the Celtics clawed their way back into the game and retook the lead during the 4th quarter. Thomas came up HUGE in the 4th as he finished with 20 in the quarter alone. This game was an absolute barn burner and it couldn’t be decided in regulation. Both Wall and Bradley Beal missed game winning shots at the buzzer and the game would go into overtime tied at 114. Then Isaiah Thomas took over and added 9 point in overtime as the Celtics won 129—119 to take a 2—0 series lead. Now I could go into a breakdown of this game but this really all about one man. A man who is listed at 5’9”, picked last in the draft, lost his sister 2 weeks ago, got his tooth knocked out, and is counted out all the time. That man is Isaiah Thomas and he scored 53 POINTS!!! THAT IS THE 2nd MOST IN CELTICS’ HISTORY!!! Unbelievable, truly magical. This was the best game of the year and it was a crushing defeat for the Wizards, considering how well Wall played tonight. The Celtics have now won 6 playoff games in a row and are clicking on all cylinders. Goddamn I love this team.
Written By: Steve Santoro (SVS_1993)
