Celtics (2-0) at Pacers (0-2) Round 1 Game 3 4/19/19

[jambr380]

We're going to need to play a lot better if we're going to win any games against non-creampuff opponents.  Indiana is terrible.

The Bucks are sitting at home licking their chops right now as they're watching this game.

While we certainly haven't been perfect and have some things to clean up, these are shortsighted comments and not respectful enough of Indy. They're clearly lacking offensively sans Dipo, but they're as good as it gets defensively, and in the playoffs that's enough to keep games close (see Boston Celtics the last several years prior to 2018).

Hell, we're very likely going to sweep Indy at this point, which is not at all easy. Hell, look at Cleveland's championship year. They swept Detroit in the first round that year, and that series was very similar to this one with three really close games and only one that wasn't that close. And that Detroit team was no better than this Indy team.

TP totally agree. What they’re lacking in talent Indy make up for in grit and heart. Unfortunately In tight games like these you need people you can give the ball to to make things happen at the end. We have those and they don’t.

They were 16-19 (now 16-22) without Dipo.  They're a turd team that should be swept easily.

Ok, Lar, whatever you say. The fact that you think any sweep can be "easy" kind of speaks for itself.

I usually support LB, but think he is totally wrong here. Teams like Indy are incredibly difficult to beat if you don't maintain your focus (see 2nd quarter). Not only are they the best defensive team in the league, but they come at you non-stop. All it takes is for one or two guys to come up big and you have your 'star' power. Evans in the first half was playing like a superstar in the 1st half.

The reason we have been able to win these games is because we have played smart and disciplined down the stretch, but also because their big performers haven't been able to come up in the clutch. This will need to change as the playoffs progress, but I also don't anticipate the same level of grittiness from some of the more 'talented' teams.

Not blowing out Indy isn't as dire as it may seem. Teams like Indy don't often get blown out.

[tenn_smoothie]

We're going to need to play a lot better if we're going to win any games against non-creampuff opponents.  Indiana is terrible.

The Bucks are sitting at home licking their chops right now as they're watching this game.

While we certainly haven't been perfect and have some things to clean up, these are shortsighted comments and not respectful enough of Indy. They're clearly lacking offensively sans Dipo, but they're as good as it gets defensively, and in the playoffs that's enough to keep games close (see Boston Celtics the last several years prior to 2018).

Hell, we're very likely going to sweep Indy at this point, which is not at all easy. Hell, look at Cleveland's championship year. They swept Detroit in the first round that year, and that series was very similar to this one with three really close games and only one that wasn't that close. And that Detroit team was no better than this Indy team.

TP totally agree. What they’re lacking in talent Indy make up for in grit and heart. Unfortunately In tight games like these you need people you can give the ball to to make things happen at the end. We have those and they don’t.

And we’re also starting develop a bit of our heart...Indy put us under the gun the last couple of games and we responded when during the regular season we would have folded.

Obviously we need to play better to make a deep run but we’re getting there.

Also, this is not even considering the context of matchups. Traditionally, we haven't matched up all that well with Indy; whereas, we actually have a pretty good matchup with Milwaukee. And that's largely because we have multiple guys that we can throw at Giannis to make things difficult for him, which many other teams don't have. Al in particular did a hell of a job making things difficult for him last year, primarily because he understood his weaknesses and played him with space to neutralize his drives and force more jumpshots.

I expect a similar strategy this year, though both Giannis and his supporting cast have got a lot better since last year (as have we).

What team have you been watching ? The Celtics were clearly a better team last season - regular season and playoffs.

[jambr380]

What’s actually negative is the tired Kyrie criticism after every single game LOL

Either

Oh no he’s dribbling too much or Oh no he’s passing too much

The majority of that is coming from one person. He doesn't seem to understand that superstars have a higher usage than other players and that not all 8-9 players in the rotation can average between 13-15 points each.

[Atzar]

Never easy to win on the road in the playoffs.  Great win.

[tenn_smoothie]

What’s actually negative is the tired Kyrie criticism after every single game LOL

Either

Oh no he’s dribbling too much or Oh no he’s passing too much

The majority of that is coming from one person. He doesn't seem to understand that superstars have a higher usage than other players and that not all 8-9 players in the rotation can average between 13-15 points each.

You don't seem to understand that Kyrie's clock domination is hurting our offense in several different ways. But then, most people just see him score a bunch of points and don't understand the negative impact - so don't feel bad.

[nickagneta]

Enough with calling out other poster, calling them trolls, etc. Some people have committed suspendable offenses here. But I am in a good mood and will only send out warnings to PMs.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Yeesh, this place is ridiculous. We just won a road playoff game, and people are already being negative. Can't we just enjoy tonight?

If you came here just after the game, you'd think we'd lost.

WE WON AND AGIANST A VERY GOOD TEAM!!!!!!!!


WWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

yep to heck with the self loathers here. it is beyond sad now. we are in playoffs lets bring it til the end and see what happens. cant we enjpy this?

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

KYRIE AND JAY BEE UP NOW ON PODIUM!

[Phantom255x]

Bruins lost, so season on the line Sunday for them... 

How do they explode for 6 goals on the road in Game 4 and then can't even score at home tonite ?

The Bruins so far this series are like the inconsistent, regular season Celtics. They've come out extremely flat in 3 games, and firing on all cylinders the other 2 games. You can do the math to figure out where this series stands as a result.

[liam]

The Celtics looked like they knew they would win and played a very composed game. I have faith that this team can win in close games. That Kyrie steal near the end of the game was amazing. I also love the Kyrie and Horford two man game at the end.

[manl_lui]

let's go Cs! one more! stay focused! Sunday will b e a trap !

[gpap]

The Celtics looked like they knew they would win and played a very composed game. I have faith that this team can win in close games. That Kyrie steal near the end of the game was amazing. I also love the Kyrie and Horford two man game at the end.

Yeah, Kyrie's defense in this series has been great. Coming up with steals, causing Indy to turn the ball over. Breaking the myth that he can't play defense.

[liam]

Yeesh, this place is ridiculous. We just won a road playoff game, and people are already being negative. Can't we just enjoy tonight?

If you came here just after the game, you'd think we'd lost.

WE WON AND AGIANST A VERY GOOD TEAM!!!!!!!!


WWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

yep to heck with the self loathers here. it is beyond sad now. we are in playoffs lets bring it til the end and see what happens. cant we enjpy this?

I'm enjoying the hell out of it! Indiana has a lot of really good defenders. I'm not sure we'll face another team as good defensively in the rest of the playoffs. 3-0 is a really good place to be!!!!

[gpap]

let's go Cs! one more! stay focused! Sunday will b e a trap !

I agree. Let's put these guys away. They've got to be hurting right now. Let's go for the kill. The sooner you can put a team away, the better. Last thing you want is them getting their confidence back.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Yeesh, this place is ridiculous. We just won a road playoff game, and people are already being negative. Can't we just enjoy tonight?

If you came here just after the game, you'd think we'd lost.

WE WON AND AGIANST A VERY GOOD TEAM!!!!!!!!


WWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

yep to heck with the self loathers here. it is beyond sad now. we are in playoffs lets bring it til the end and see what happens. cant we enjpy this?

I'm enjoying the hell out of it! Indiana has a lot of really good defenders. I'm not sure we'll face another team as good defensively in the rest of the playoffs. 3-0 is a really good place to be!!!!

didn't they have best ranked D in NBA?