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NBA Playoffs: 5 Reasons the Boston Celtics have Won 3 Straight Games

By Riley Culler

Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) attempts to shoot the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) defends during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) attempts to shoot the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) defends during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) and forward Jae Crowder (99) jump for a rebound during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) and forward Jae Crowder (99) jump for a rebound during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

In games 1 and 2, the Celtics were dominated on the boards. That hasn’t been the case since.

Robin Lopez is the tallest (7’0″) and heaviest (255 lbs) player on either of these teams rosters. But the Celtics didn’t expect him to dominate the offensive glass. His first two games he completely dominated, the Celtics have been able to contain Lopez to an extant in games 3-5.

  • Games 1/2: 19 Rebounds – 13 Offensive Rebounds
  • Games 3/4/5: 19 Rebounds – 13 Offensive Rebounds

His numbers have clearly dropped, and if the Celtics want to close out the series they need to continue rebounding well. Boston didn’t get to the #1 seed by being a good rebounding team, so they will have to live with usually being out rebounded in the playoffs. As long as they can contain their opponents big men, the Celtics can make a deep run in the playoffs.

Next: Boston Celtics Earn First Home Win of Series as Things Get Testy to Take a 3-2 Lead

If the Boston Celtics continue their effective play in Game 6, they can begin preparing for their second-round matchup.

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