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First Reactions: Boston Celtics Close Out Bulls in Chicago

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Apr 28, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) dunks the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) looks on during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) dunks the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) looks on during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls, the Boston Celtics became the fourth team in NBA history to win a 7-game series after falling down 0-2.

Following the Game 2 loss to the Chicago Bulls, it seemed improbable that the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics would find a way to come back and win the first-round matchup.  But a lineup change and an adjustment of focus enabled them to do just that.

Led by Avery Bradley (23 points), the Celtics did what they needed to do by closing out the Bulls in Game 6 with a 105-83 victory.

Boston did it with hot shooting to start the game and never looked back.  The Atlantic Division champions came out energetic and out for the kill building a double-digit lead in the first half and pushing that lead to as much as 29 points in the fourth quarter.

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Bradley’s 9-of-12 shooting led the team, but all five Boston Celtics starters scored double digits.  Gerald Green added 16 points while Al Horford, Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas each had 12 points.

The fact that the team won big with Thomas only scoring 12 points can be attributed to the team’s complete team effort.  Not only were they hot offensively, they played team defense and controlled the boards.

The 22-point victory gave Brad Stevens and Isaiah Thomas their first playoff series victories.

Next up, the Washington Wizards

The Boston Celtics victory over the Bulls combined with the Washington Wizards Game 6 victory over the Atlanta Hawks sets up an intriguing second round matchup.

Celtics
Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) and Washington Wizards shooting forward Otto Porter (22) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

These two teams simply don’t like each other.  This Eastern Conference semifinal playoff matchup should be filled with emotion and should be an intense battle.  The two teams split their four-game regular-season series highlighted by some interesting moments.

One of those moments involved the Wizards holding a “funeral” for the Celtics ahead of a victory.  Led by scoring guards John Wall and Bradley Beal, Washington will be out to bury the Celtics.

Here’s the schedule for the series that starts Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden.

Game 1 in Boston: Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m. ET (ABC)

Game 2 in Boston: TBD

Game 3 at Washington: TBD

Game 4 at Washington: TBD

*Game 5 in Boston: TBD

*Game 6 at Washington: TBD

*Game 7 in Boston: TBD

*if necessary

Next: New England Patriots Select OT Antonio Garcia With 85th Overall Pick

To keep up to date on Boston Celtics playoff news, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

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