Malcolm Brogdon was forthright when discussing the feel of the team following the Celtics' Game 1 loss to the 76ers.
"There's a frustration, there's an anger. We feel like we were supposed to win that game," he said prior to Game 2. "We feel like we're supposed to win every game, that's the reality of the type of basketball we played this season. For us, it's definitely about sending a message."
Brogdon's right. Game 1 is a contest the Celtics could, and should, have won. Boston finished the game shooting 58.7% from the field. The C's were 22-1 in the regular season when they shot over 50% from the floor.
It was Boston's lack of focus and sloppy play, especially on the defensive end of the floor, that cost them Game 1.
"Looking to be more focused," Al Horford said of his team before Game 2. "On the defensive end, we need to be better. We feel like we understand that, and that's what we expect (Wednesday)."
Brogdon echoed a similar sentiment.
"On the defensive end, coming out, getting stops, making it hard for them," he said. "Being really physical. We are capable of doing that, we are capable of keeping teams under 100 points. That's what we should strive for."
Boston has proved they can slow down Philadelphia's offense. In four games against Boston in the regular season, Philadelphia averaged just 106.5 points per game, which was well below their season average of 115.2.
"It takes attention to detail until the very end," Brogdon said. "Of course, cutting down on turnovers, but also sticking to the game plan defensively… Definitely staying locked in on our details."
Philadelphia, who has already proved they can beat Boston, could be getting reinforcements for Game 2 in league MVP Joel Embiid. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Embiid is on track to return for Game 2, barring any setbacks. It'll be interesting to see how much of an impact Embiid will have, as he will still be dealing with the LCL sprain in his right knee.
Regardless, the message stays the same for Boston. The C's need to stay locked in and focused throughout the entire 48 minutes. Boston has had a tendency to get complacent when things are going well — another topic Brogdon touched on prior to Game 2.
"I think we do let our foot off the gas sometimes. I think we get comfortable," he said. "I think we are such a good team that we get big leads, we get comfortable and we let teams back in the game. That's something during the playoffs we have to get better at."
Now is the time to respond — something Boston has done well throughout the season.
"I feel like we responded all year in different situations," Horford said. "So, I don't expect any less from our group."
