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NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Celtics vs. Bulls matchup

By Noah Torr

Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Cameron Payne (22) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Cameron Payne (22) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 12: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics is seen during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2017, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 12: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics is seen during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2017, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Brad Stevens and Fred Hoiberg need to bring their A-game

Both Stevens and Hoiberg have received a lot of attention this year, not necessarily the same kind though. Stevens is a Coach of the Year candidate. Hoiberg, on the other hand, has spent most of the season on the hot seat. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that Hoiberg has overperformed with the roster that he has been provided.

Stevens has a roster comprised of one All-Star, a few starters, and many bench/role players. He has led them all the way to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and he deserves endless praise for the job he has done. Stevens has unlocked Isaiah’s potential and has let him run free this season. The one issue with the Celtics is that they have become too reliant on Thomas. When Thomas gets shut down, the Celtics become stagnant and have a hard time performing on offense.

Hoiberg has had one crazy season. He had a starting lineup that couldn’t spread the floor and a bench that didn’t have the hustle that Hoiberg desired from them. Now? Hoiberg has Nikola Mirotic performing at a high level and hitting 3-pointers more consistently. Jimmy Butler has grown and the Bulls bench is giving more effort. The Bulls look like they want to win games, which is refreshing to see after their season.

Next: Power Ranking the playoff teams

This is a series that you do not want to sleep on. The Bulls have the tools to push this series past four or five games. It will be fun to watch.

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