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Gerald Green Comes Up Big for the Boston Celtics

By Talar Kahwajian

Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) reacts during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) reacts during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens inserted Gerald Green into his starting lineup, and its changed the series.

Remember Gerald Green? Boston Celtics Dunk Contest champ, traded for Kevin Garnett, then returned this year on a cheap contract?

He’s playing a big role in these playoffs.

The Boston Celtics were down 2-0, and something had to change.  Amir Johnson wasn’t getting the job done.  So Brad Stevens turned to the obvious choice, Gerald Green.

Wait, what?

Before game 3 when everyone found out about Green starting, there was confusion for sure.  But Gerald Green has proved he is exactly what this team has been lacking.  A guy who can space the floor, knock down shots and aggressively get to the rim.  Take the pressure off Isaiah Thomas and open the floor for Al Horford.

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Green hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter on Sunday, and we in the Celtics universe went nuts.  He was knocking down threes, snatching rebounds, and making Brad Stevens look like a genius!  His veteran presence and unwavering support for his teammates have been huge in this series.  Green’s 18 points and 7 rebounds helped Boston tie up the series at two games a piece.

More importantly it’s helped this team get their swagger back.

Also, having Green on the floor allows for the Celtics to space and control the game right out of the gate.  Most of Green’s shots were three’s off a high pick-and-roll, in which Al Horford would set a high screen for Isaiah Thomas, who would then get him the ball, and we all know Horford is an amazing passer.  He’d find Green open on that three point line all the time, and Gerald Green would deliver by knocking down four three’s for the game.

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I know the Rajon Rondo injury is really helping the C’s right now, but they just look so much better. They look like the regular season team we all fell in love with, and who would have thought it’d be because of Gerald Green?

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