Celtics take Game 3, shut down Draymond Green
Outside of a third-quarter run, Game 3 was Boston’s from start to finish. Of course, based on everything that’s happened with the Celtics to this point in the postseason, that means nothing going into Game 4.
The Celtics have had to win back-to-back games on a few occasions to get to this point, but that hasn’t happened often. This group responds to losses, which is harder to do than capitalize on momentum gained from wins. Yet, the latter is the issue for the C’s.
Well, this is a series where the Celtics need to do both. Sure, Boston has the youth and depth advantage in a seven-game set. Why tempt fate against such an accomplished team, though? Being down 3-1 won’t be enough for the Warriors to give up, but it’s sure going to force them into an uncomfortable position where they might have to make risky adjustments.
“We have to be able to keep the same focus that we have,” Al Horford said. “Good team session (tomorrow), continuing to prepare and there are things we need to improve on in order for us to have a chance on Friday.
“We need to really look at this film and find ways to get better and get prepared as quick as we can. Because it is a quicker turnaround.”
As much as momentum hasn’t meant much to the Celtics this postseason, best not to gift wrap any to the Warriors. Allowing them to take Game 4 and regain home-court advantage would do just that.
“We’ve talked about it quite a bit, our group being resilient,” Ime Udoka said. “Being able to fight through a lot of things, and at times when it’s most needed, being able to lock down on defense, which we did in the fourth quarter (of Game 3). So, another bounce back from us. My message to the group was: ‘We’ve done this after losses. Respond the right way off a win now.”
Game 4 tips off on Friday at 9 p.m.
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