After the first week of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, The second seeded Boston Celtics hold a 2-0 lead against the seventh seeded Milwaukee Bucks. Despite losing significant contributions from Allstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward as well as defensive gem Marcus Smart and role player Daniel Theis, Boston has time and again managed to surpass expectations. Many thought it would be difficult for Boston to even make it past the first round, especially against the Bucks’ star player Giannis Anteokounmpo, but the Celtics have persevered throughout this series, and their 2-0 lead puts them in a great position to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Game 1 in Boston exemplified the sheer grit that the Celtics seem to embody on a nightly basis. After the Buck’s Malcolm Brogdon tied the game at 96 a piece with 10.3 seconds remaining, backup point guard Terry Rozier splashed in a clutch three to put Boston up three after a beautiful crossover move on Eric Bledsoe. Following this, the Buck’s Khris Middleton made a deep three pointer from over 30 feet away with just 0.5 seconds left. However, in overtime, the Celtic’s gritty defense along with the play of Jayston Tatum and Terry Rozier, sealed the victory for Boston.
Terry Rozier celebrating after his clucth three pointer on Eric Bledsoe (Via the Boston Globe)
The point guard matchup has been particularly significant throughout the series. Time and time again, Rozier has stepped up, outplaying veteran guard Eric Bledsoe with with 23 points in each of the first two games. In addition to Rozier, Boston’s younger, less experienced players have played exceptionally well and continue to improve; Shooting guard Jaylen Brown came out with 30 points in Game 1 after a 20 point showing in the first outing. The Celtics backcourt of Rozier and Brown is currently outscoring that of the Bucks 96-25.
The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown (right) shooting against the Bucks’ Jabari Parker (left) en route to his 30 point Game 2 performance (Via CLNS Media)
Although Boston will continue to deal with injuries and a lack of starpower, the Celtics have proven that they can persevere to win games in these difficult matchups and it will be interesting to see just how far Brad Stevens can lead his young team in these 2018 Playoffs.
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