Game 3 Preview: Celtics vs. Bucks

Friday, May 3 the Bucks will be heading into the TD Garden to take on the Celtics. This pivotal Game 3 will likely feature the return of Malcolm Brogdon of the Bucks.

So far the series is split. Each team has won and lost a game by at least 20 points. So where does the series go from here?

This is a huge game for each team solely based on the momentum for the rest of the series. If the Celtics win they can reestablish themselves and take control of the series. If the Bucks win their momentum will just keep snowballing. Taking away Game 3 in the Garden would not be great for morale for the Celtics.

How the Celtics win:

The Celtics need to regroup and get a spark back on their offense. From Game 1 to Game 2 the Celtics went from shooting 54% from the field and 41.9% from 3 to shooting 39.5% and 35.7%. The biggest goal for the Celtics is going to be figuring out the Bucks defense. Of course, that will be challenging since the Bucks have the best defense in the NBA.

Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart (36), Jayson Tatum (0), Terry Rozier (12) Aron Baynes (46) and Marcus Morris (13) walk to the bench during a timeout. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Another way the Celtics can win the series is allowing their stars to take over.  But first off, their stars need to step up. There’s no getting around the fact that Jayson Tatum has had an awful series so far. Shooting below 30% in both games and not really adding a whole lot else Tatum has become a non-factor right now. If he were to step up in the next games that would add a lot more pressure on the Bucks in having to find another player to shut down. The same goes for Gordon Hayward who had an abysmal Game 2.

If the Celtics want to win this series it’s going to take these two stars to step up now in Game 3 and help Kyrie Irving and Co. get one step closer to getting out of the round.

How the Bucks win:

For the Bucks to take this game they have to play consistently. Game 1 looked like a huge misstep and the team rebounded in Game 2. For the Bucks to take Game 3 they are going to have to play with that same intensity for all 48 minutes. Game 2 really showed how well put together this team can be. Eric Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton all had over 20 points. The team had five players score in double digits in Game 2.

Another key factor will be to keep the pressure on the Celtics. In each of the games so far the Celtics have had more turnovers than the Celtics. If the Bucks defense can keep the Celtics turning the ball over than the offense will capitalize on the Celtics mistakes.

Another factor for this game is the probable return of Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon adds a new dynamic for the Bucks. He adds the extra shooting power that makes the Bucks offense even more

Photo courtesy of Channel 3000.

difficult to deal with. He is also usually good for at least 10 points so that is another factor the Celtics defense will have to take note of if Brogdon returns for this Game 3.

Who wins?

The Celtics win this game if their stars step up and they limit turnovers. If not, the Bucks win a close game.

So far, there has been no sign of Jayson Tatum playing like his normal self and Gordon Hayward will need this to be a rebound game from Game 2. If Brogdon returns and the Celtics go-to guys aren’t playing well the Bucks win big.

Right now the ball is literally in the Celtics court and it’s time for them to step up. Celtics win 127-120.

Celtics take Game 3.

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