The Boston Celtics Have a Vigorous and Emotional Road Ahead
By Riley Culler
The Boston Celtics suffered a devastating loss in Game 1 against the Chicago Bulls despite a late 4th quarter rally.
The No. 1 seed Boston Celtics dropped game 1 against the No. 8 seed Chicago Bulls Sunday Night.
All-Star PG Isaiah Thomas showed Boston how much he cared about this city, deciding to play in Game 1 just two days after the tragic death of his younger sister Chyna Thomas.
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Isaiah had 33 Points, 6 Assists, and 5 Rebounds in 38 minutes played, but the Celtics still fell short.
Despite trailing 48-46 at halftime, the Celtics went into the locker room with momentum on their side. Trailing by 5 with less than 4 seconds left in the half, Al Horford drained a 25-foot three-pointer as time expired.
The Bulls had 16 offensive rebounds in the 1st half, absolutely dominating the paint, but Boston was only down 2.
The 2nd half: Jimmy Butler dominates. The Celtics rally falls just short.
The playoffs are a different animal, we realized that Sunday night as the 41-41 Bulls manhandled the 53-29 Celtics most of the night. Jimmy Butler who only scored 7 points in the 1st half, lit up the score sheet in the 2nd half scoring 23 points; including 10 straight points for Chicago to finish the 3rd quarter.
Heading into the 4th quarter the Bulls and Celtics were notched up at 76. Every fan in TD Garden Sunday night was hoping Isaiah Thomas would have one of his usual monster 4th quarters, but it never happened. Chicago went on a 14-4 run late in the 4th quarter to give the Bulls a 101-92 lead in the closings minutes. A couple of late 3’s helped Boston rally, finishing the game on a 10-5 run; but it wasn’t enough.
This 7 game series is far from over, but losing game 1 isn’t a good look. The Celtics got punched in the jaw Sunday night, so how will they respond?
The Boston Celtics will play game 2 in Boston on Tuesday night, before heading to Chicago for 2 games. The Celtics had 23 road wins in the regular season, tied for 5th most in the NBA. So they know how to win on the road, but game 2 is crucial to keeping Boston alive in this series.
As for the status of Isaiah Thomas, here is what Coach Brad Stevens had to say on the subject:
"“Whatever he needs to do, he needs to do, and we’ll help in any way. If he needs to and wants to stay here, then we’ll be here surrounding him. And if he wants to go to Seattle, then he should go to Seattle. It’s his call, and should be.”"
Most expect Thomas to stay with the team, barring any sudden changes.
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No matter the decision, whether it be to stay and play or fly home to be with family, the Boston Celtics and all of their fans will support Thomas; because together we are Boston strong!