Celtics (3-0) at Pacers (0-3) Round 1 Game 4 4/21/19

[Phantom255x]

Everyone talks about Kyrie "slowing down the offense" and ballhogging late in games.

I saw Kyrie let the offense go through Hayward and Horford late in the game and pretty much act as a "decoy" in the final 5 minutes of the game. Yes people, Kyrie IS a team player. He struggled today shooting (as did Horford) but still found other ways to help.

Oh, and that hustle by Kyrie to grab the deflection and then pass it forward to Horford leading to the Tatum dunk? To me, that was play of the game! (Though honestly there were many possessions in the final 3-4 minutes that deserved it too) 

[SparzWizard]

Good that this series ended early...

Now the team goes home and have at least 3 or 4  days before travelling to Milwaukee...Im hoping Detroit atleast wins one so the series extends by another 2 days...If not, is the next game Wed or Thurs night?

Per jpotter33, it looks like it'll be next weekend (Saturday or Sunday)

For all who are wondering, Tim Bontemps is suggesting that if things hold as they are now, we'll play Milwaukee next weekend (likely barring any miraculous series comebacks by Detroit, Brooklyn, or Orlando). That's a great timeframe to allow Brad plenty of time to gameplan for Milwaukee and for our guys to rest up and heal any nagging minor injuries.

https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/status/1120048590259355649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1120048590259355649&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Fboston-celtics

So if the series starts next weekend, that's about 3 weeks from Marcus Smart's injury (4/7).  Initial reports were 4-6 weeks.  Doesn't look that we'll see Marcus in the Bucks series unless the series goes 6 or 7 games AND Marcus heals quickly.   Pretty disappointing that he's likely not going to be part of this series.

Initial report has stated he'd be out at least first two rounds of the postseason.

Not that I'm wishing for it, but maybe Zaza Pachulia could probably do something dirtay against the Bucks in their potential closeout game and take out one of their key players. After all, he does have a history for that.

[Neurotic Guy]

Fully expected a sweep.  Pacers are 16-23 without oladipo. Excited to see if we can slow Giannis.

Nonetheless they swept an aggressive (albeit less talented) team and won 2 on the road.  Doing what you are supposed to do is half the battle in the NBA playoffs. Game 4, IMO, was pretty well-played by the C's and should give them some confidence going into the next series.  No doubt they'll need to play at a different level against the Bucks. 

Too bad not to have Smart out there pestering the Bucks.   

[nickagneta]

Good that this series ended early...

Now the team goes home and have at least 3 or 4  days before travelling to Milwaukee...Im hoping Detroit atleast wins one so the series extends by another 2 days...If not, is the next game Wed or Thurs night?

Per jpotter33, it looks like it'll be next weekend (Saturday or Sunday)

For all who are wondering, Tim Bontemps is suggesting that if things hold as they are now, we'll play Milwaukee next weekend (likely barring any miraculous series comebacks by Detroit, Brooklyn, or Orlando). That's a great timeframe to allow Brad plenty of time to gameplan for Milwaukee and for our guys to rest up and heal any nagging minor injuries.

https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/status/1120048590259355649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1120048590259355649&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Fboston-celtics

So if the series starts next weekend, that's about 3 weeks from Marcus Smart's injury (4/7).  Initial reports were 4-6 weeks.  Doesn't look that we'll see Marcus in the Bucks series unless the series goes 6 or 7 games AND Marcus heals quickly.   Pretty disappointing that he's likely not going to be part of this series.

A couple days ago he said he was still “weeks” from running. And that is  before he starts doing sharp cuts and really taking hits and stress to that area like he would during a game. Think of what he does when he goes around picks and dives for the ball.

I hate to say it, but I don’t think we’re seeing him again this year.

Sorry to say, but I agree 100%. He only stopped being in constant pain a few days before last Friday's update. Weeks from being able to run means a long time away.

[Birdman]

dont miss Smart..sorry but no offense hurts..sweep Indy without him

[BitterJim]

dont miss Smart..sorry but no offense hurts..sweep Indy without him

Are you saying that Smart has no offense?

[Sketch5]

dont miss Smart..sorry but no offense hurts..sweep Indy without him

His offense has been solid on the most part this season.

His D was missed and will be really needed against the Bucks.

Plus I feel better when Irving goes to the bench having Smart fun the point over Rozier.

[SHAQATTACK]

Fully expected a sweep.  Pacers are 16-23 without oladipo. Excited to see if we can slow Giannis.

I like our chances with the bucks even without smart .  We need Gordy to play up to par every game .  I think he is starting to SEE and FEEL his role on the team and be comfortable with it.

[SparzWizard]

I can't believe the Celtics won 6 in a row against the Pacers. That is hard to do.

[jambr380]

Great team win by this group today. Really happy to get the sweep!

I can't believe all the 3s Indy was hitting in that final minute. I guess it's easier to make shots when there is no pressure (and there was really no chance of them winning in that last minute).

[nickagneta]

Great team win by this group today. Really happy to get the sweep!

I can't believe all the 3s Indy was hitting in that final minute. I guess it's easier to make shots when there is no pressure (and there was really no chance of them winning in that last minute).

Yeah Boston didn't even try to play defense those last 40 seconds or so and did the same thing in game 2 when they didn't try to play defense in that last 2 minutes.

In that approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds between the 2 games the Celtics gave up 24 total points. If they played defense during that time, the series point differential looks much different.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

lovely celtics!

IDC what anybody says about the pacers. it is NOT easy to sweep anybody especially to close out ON THE ROAD!

KUDOS TO OUR CELTICS!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

great series let's rest what we can and on to Milwaukee!

[Silky]

Another player I would really be askifng about if Davis is a no go would bu Turner.

[RJ87]

Another player I would really be askifng about if Davis is a no go would bu Turner.

He just turned 23 and his 4 year contract extension hasn't even kicked in yet. Why would they trade him?

[tenn_smoothie]

Everyone talks about Kyrie "slowing down the offense" and ballhogging late in games.

I saw Kyrie let the offense go through Hayward and Horford late in the game and pretty much act as a "decoy" in the final 5 minutes of the game. Yes people, Kyrie IS a team player. He struggled today shooting (as did Horford) but still found other ways to help.

Oh, and that hustle by Kyrie to grab the deflection and then pass it forward to Horford leading to the Tatum dunk? To me, that was play of the game! (Though honestly there were many possessions in the final 3-4 minutes that deserved it too) 

I would agree.