Horford's return changes the complexion big time. The Celtics don't have a front line that can handle 2 quality bigs. Garnett can handle 1 of Horford/Smith. Bass and company just aren't good enough to handle the other.
This suddenly makes the Hawks the toughest matchup (outside of LA) for the C's front line.
I hope the Garden crowd brings it! Outside of Horford, these Hawks can be rattled mentally, especially on the road.
It's not looking a likely situation for the Celtics to face them at the moment, but the Grizzlies would be an equally troublesome frontcourt opposition, if not tougher.
To be honest, we need to win tonight and sweep the next round, thats the only way were going to be healthy enough to take on Miami in the ECF.
Realistically, we're not sweeping the next round, so, do you think our chance has already gone begging?
I get that we only lost by 1. My problem is that this was only HOrford's second game back after missing 4 months. His first game he only played 20 minutes. In this game he played a full game, 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals. Not bad for a guy who we can presume is still shaking off the cobwebs. Atlanta, of course, is still adjusting to having him back after 4 months off... that can't be understated either. His first game back (Game 4) we rightfully destroyed him. His second game (game 5)... they gave us major trouble. We were swallowed up by their interior defense, we were destroyed on the boards...
It makes them a completely different team. What happens if Joe Johnson finally gets it going? He's back at his natural SG position which means he'll be guarded by Avery Bradley... who is 5 inches and 60 pounds smaller. That's alarming. Johnson should be able to torch Bradley at will.
What happens if Pierce is still playing at 50% due to the sprained MCL? As proven... this team can not survive without a healthy Pierce. He's the 2nd most important player on this team behind Kevin Garnett.
What happens if Atlanta just gets stronger? This is a game we should still win, but I'm rather worried. This series has completely changed due to Horford. During the 4th quarter of game 5 I kept saying over and over, "Please steal a win here... please steal a win here, please steal a win here!"... I wanted no part of facing a full-strength Atlanta with HOrford after their practice run in game 5. We almost dodged a bullet... but now I fear we're in serious trouble. We don't seem to match up well with Atlanta at this point. Here's hoping I'm wrong.
Oh and Bill Kennedy is a ref tonight. We're officially screwed.
I got your point here. But we can't keep going by what ifs in our heads.
Joe Johnson can get going while playing at SF also. You can't precisely assume whether he'll have a big game or not. Same goes for Smith.
Horford is a different story. He is more consistent in producing and makes the Hawks a better team. But he's still nowhere near his best by the looks of it. Statistics excluded, of course. Celtics were troubled in defensive rebounding and kept losing the 50-50 battles for the ball.
For a win, more of an effort is needed.
