Perfect. That's what the Atlanta Hawks have to be every night against the Celtics in order to have a chance in this first-round series. Offense needs to be perfect. Defense needs to be perfect. Free-throw shooting needs to be perfect.
Meanwhile, all Boston needs to do in order to beat the Hawks? Be average or just slightly above.
These were the words from former Celtics coach Damn Stoudamire on The Morning Shift Tuesday as he broke down what he's thought of the series.
"They can lose games in this series, but Atlanta has to play their 'A' game every game," said Stoudamire. "The Celtics can throw out a 'B' or 'C' game and still win."
Granted, we didn't get the best of the Hawks in Game 1 of this series. The team shot 38.8 percent from the field, went 5 for 22 from 3, and got out-rebounded in a 112-99 loss. Trae Young is mired in the worst seven-game shooting stretch from 3 in NBA playoff history, going 8 for 49.
Steak and Sandra discussed Stoudamire's comments in this morning's Steakhouse, echoing the point he made about the incredible amount of depth this Boston team has. For Steak, it's their depth, and what they can do behind the arc.
"The Celtics, top to bottom, they're just loaded," Shapiro said. "They hit the 3 at a ridiculous pace. They're as good as it gets in the league at understanding how to attack you."
For the Hawks to even this series in Game 2, it's going to take a more collective effort to get to that 'A' level.
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