So much for thinking the Celtics couldn’t play any worse than they did in the first half of Game 1. Tonight the Cs treated us to the worst 1st quarter performance in modern NBA playoff history: 7 points on 3-23 shooting. Only Atlanta’s inability to deliver a death blow kept the Celtics within striking distance for the rest of the game. The Hawks rolled, 89-72.
The Celtics can’t shoot. Tonight’s numbers: 31% FG and 18% 3FG.
This isn’t a new problem. NBA.com’s John Schumann reminds us that Boston ranked 27th in eFG% from outside the paint this season.
This wasn’t about the Celtics settling for 3-pointers. They attacked the rim and were promptly rejected. Atlanta finished with 15 blocks.
The offense is a big pile of steaming doo-doo right now. Something needs to change or else the Celtics are going to be swept.
Green
Amir Johnson (14 points, 8 rebounds) and Terry Rozier (10 points, 4-7 FG) were the only bright spots for the green.
Gross
So much carnage. Marcus Smart (1-11) and Jae Crowder (1-9) led the brick laying. We’ll give Smart the edge because he was a team low -20. Jared Sullinger played so badly, Brad Stevens opted for Evan Turner to start the 3rd quarter.
Greenlights
BAHAHAHAHAHA….
The Grid
Boston’s 28 first half points were the second lowest in team playoff history
Let’s try a new feature. Rank the players.
