The Celtics were down 2-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs after winning their first game at home. Isaiah Thomas put up a career-high 42 points, and the Boston was gaining momentum in the intense series. Game 4 would be one of the loudest games I've ever watched on TV, and one of the liveliest too.
The game started off with Paul Milsap dominating everyone, scoring 26 in the first half. Still, the Celtics were only down by 2 at the half after leading by as much as 11. The Hawks, led by Milsap, jumped out to a quick start in the second half, scoring the first 14 points. The C's were able to hold the game to within 3 points entering the final quarter though.
The fourth quarter should be known as the "Marcus Smart quarter." He scored 11 straight points for Boston during the fourth, and locked down Milsap, holding him to just 2 points in the final 9 minutes of regulation. Isaiah Thomas found open looks for himself, Jonas Jerebko, and Smart over and over and the game came down to the end.
The C's were up by 4 when Jeff Teague (previously 1/10) drilled two threes in a row to put Atlanta up 2. Isaiah responded with a driving layup with 15 seconds remaining, and the Hawks didn't get a shot off the next possession. Overtime.
Overtime was all Boston. Marcus Smart continued to shut down Paul Milsap, and the Celtics outscored Atlanta 12-3 in the final period. IT hit the dagger, a corner three with 30 seconds left. Celtics 104, Hawks 95. The series was tied 2-2 heading back to Atlanta.
This was one of the most intense games I've watched, and even though we lost the series, it proved we could hang with everyone. I'm pumped for this season.
Some stats: Paul Milsap had 45 points and 13 rebounds for Atlanta. Teague added 13 points and 5 assists.
Boston was led by Isaiah with 28 points and 6 assists, while Jonas Jerebko helped a lot with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Turner added 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. But the real star of the night was Marcus Smart, who totaled 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in 42 minutes off the bench.
Boston outshot Atlanta 42.6% to 37.4%, and outrebounded the Hawks 65-61.
Submitted September 07, 2016 at 09:39PM by marcushorton