Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics: Two key areas of adjustment ahead of Game 5 showdown

By Dylan Woods

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 21: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 21: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

First quarter blues

Clearly, the first quarter is the biggest problem for the Celtics. In Game 4, they won every quarter but the first. But digging a hole less than 12 minutes into the game is not the recipe for winning in the playoffs.

Luckily, the Celtics are much better in the first at home, like so many other things. But essentially losing the game before it even starts is bad for momentum,.

In Game 5, the defensive intensity needs to be there from the jump. There can’t be any settle in period. If the Boston Celtics are going to win the series, the first quarter is a must win.

Terry Rozier needs to make his first few shots. A couple threes need to drop early. In-the-jersey type defense on LeBron and hands in the face on every JR Smith three. Get the crowd into it. Show the world that you belong in the NBA Finals.

Next: Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum came down to Earth in Game 4

Beating LeBron in the playoffs wasn’t going to be easy. If the Boston Celtics really want to move on, they are going to have to earn every bit of it, on the road or not.

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