NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from Celtics beating the Bulls
By Noah Torr
The Boston Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs, 4-2. Here are five takeaways from the series.
After a thrilling 105-83 victory over the Chicago Bulls last night, the Boston Celtics are moving on to the second round. Many fans questioned whether the Celtics were capable of beating the Bulls after going down 0-2 in the series, but they prevailed and won four straight games. Boston is going to play the Washington Wizards next and that will be a difficult matchup for them. But, considering how well Boston performed in their last four games against the Bulls, the Celtics should be ready for the big showdown on Sunday.
The Bulls are heading into the offseason with a multitude of questions. Will Fred Hoiberg be their coach of the future? Is Rajon Rondo really the answer at point guard? What happens with the young guys? How much longer will Jimmy Butler endure this?
Let’s jump right in.
5. The Celtics are playing as a team
It’s a weird concept, but if you play as a team you tend to win games. Weird, huh?
Well, it took the Celtics two games too long to figure that out during the series. They went down 0-2 because they relied on Isaiah Thomas and no one else. It’s fine to lean on your All-Star in crunch time or when you need a scoring lift, but if it’s every possession, it becomes a problem. That’s when Avery Bradley and Al Horford stepped up. Both Bradley and Horford had great games down the stretch of the series. Horford flirted with a triple-double two times and Bradley was a great scoring option in the last two games.
Whenever the ball spreads around the floor and others get involved, it’s a guaranteed win for the Celtics. While it’s fun to watch Isaiah Thomas tear up the defense with his quickness and shooting ability, team basketball is what gets W’s in the playoffs.