Chowder and Champions
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3 Celtics who must lock in vs Hawks in 2023 NBA Playoffs opening round

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the final minutes of the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on March 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the final minutes of the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on March 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Well, the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics will take on Trey Young and the Atlanta Hawks in the first-round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Coming off a 116-105 victory over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, Young and company will bring their momentum into Boston on Saturday afternoon for the start of an opening round series that should present an easier road for the C’s.

Let’s rephrase that slightly, if the Celtics bring their game, they should take care of the Hawks pretty quickly because of the pace Atlanta likes to play.

Boston was 3-0 against the Hawks in the regular season.  Although the playoffs is a different animal, the Hawks had a tough time containing the Boston Celtics offense, especially Jayson Tatum who had his way with Atlanta.  Let’s also not forget the regular season finale in which the Celtics bench ran the Hawks off the court highlighted by a triple-double from Payton Prichard.

Still, the Celtics can’t get lackadaisical against the Hawks in this series, especially the first couple of games.  They need to come in locked in on both ends of the court and send an early message to a team gaining confidence.  While the Celtics are a deeper team and obviously more experienced, there are 3 players who must lock in from the start.

1. The athleticism of Robert Williams key in this Boston Celtics vs Hawks matchup

It starts with the athleticism and energy of Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams.

The Hawks have some long, big men who can be a problem on the boards like Clint Capella, John Collins and Onyeka Okongwu.  Teams with those types of players have given the Celtics trouble in the regular season with Williams out of the lineup.

We can trust Al Horford will do his thing as a veteran leader going against his former team, but Robert Williams has to be active and battle the Hawks big men on the board and also protect the rim.

Obviously, after missing 47 games during the regular season, health is going to play a huge role in the impact Williams has in this series and the entire playoff run.  The question there is whether it was really due to health down the stretch or were the Celtics holding him back for the playoffs.

Whatever the case, he will be ready and if he is locked in, the Celtics are that much tougher to beat.

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