For me it was unthinkable for the Celtics to lose to the Hawks, again. Well, it was nearly unthinkable for the Sox to be swept by the Rays, and that happened. But the Celtics had dominated the Hawks this season, and in the first 2 playoff games. The Hawks looked utterly horrible!
Game 3 was different. It was like a completely different team showed up. The Hawks could apparently do no wrong. This despite working in a bargain basement setting. In the second half one of the shot clocks on the goal post didn’t work. So they turned both off and had the announcer say “10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1″ and a whistle indicated that time had elapsed.
Surely, I thought they Celtics would figure out their defensive rotations, the technical crew would fix the shot clock and the Hawks would regress to the mean of mediocrity.
Well, the shot clock worked. But the buzzer didn’t so they time keeper used an air horn. What is this, Middle School? David Stern, who was there, had to be cringing since this was part of the national TV doubleheader. Doc helped the Hawks with some strange rotations. In a time when they needed a lockdown defender, Eddie House was in there instead of Tony Allen or James Posey. Huh????? This helped former Celtic Joe Johnson do his best Michael Jordan impersonation and totally dominate the 4th quarter so the Celtics actually LOSE. Arrrggghhh!
Worse, ESPN keeps playing the little scrum that erupted. 2 players (Perkins and Marvin Williams) left the bench area and might have to sit for game 5. KG was going ballistic, so focused on Pachulia that he flicked the ref off of him. Since the ref didn’t toss him, I’m hoping that the league doesn’t decide to help the Hawks some more by tossing KG for a game or 2. Of course they fined Pierce for making a gesture that they claim is a gang symbol. Looks more like flicking something off your finger or going “okay”. I don’t know. Apparently it means “blood, sweat and tears” and he does it at the beginning of every game.
So, this series should be over, or at least on the verge of being over. Yet, we are tied with a far inferior team. Welcome to the joys of the playoffs. Now, can the Celtics make the necessary adjustments? Will they continue to give Bibby wide open looks? Will they lose players for Game 5? Have they noticed that the Magic finally WON a playoff series (it’s been more than a decade folks)?
Nothing to worry about yet, IMO.
yes, it’s been a surprise, but I honestly feel experience will now shine, and the Celts will win in Beantown and actually finish off the Hawks in Hot-lanta in game 6
[...] the Diff? Pistons and Celtics – Dynasty reborn and rivalry renewed Caveman Considers Considering the unthinkable ESPN Bill Simmons Chat Full Court Press The Boston Celtics: Another team in search of its soul [...]