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Boston Celtics Revitalize Series vs Hawks As They Take Game 3

Nathan Beighle|
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts to the crowd as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts to the crowd as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to Isaiah Thomas’ career-high 42 points, the Boston Celtics snag their first win of the series against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3. Here’s how they did it

In Game 3 at TD Gardens, the Boston Celtics captured a much-needed win from the Atlanta Hawks. Beating the Hawks in Game 3, thanks to Isaiah Thomas‘ 42 points, gets the Celtics on the board. Hawks still lead the series 2-1.

Before Game 3, we discussed keys to victory for both the Hawks and the Celtics. Well, needless to say the Celtics finally figured it out. My three points helped contribute as to why they finally found their season-long identity.

Here’s a recap:

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  1. The Boston Celtics had to start off strong. They ended the first quarter up 37-20. The 37 points scored for the Celtics in the first quarter was more than Game 1 and Game 2 combined at the end of the first period in those games. This was a huge start for the Celtics, who rallied behind their strong fan base in Boston. The Celtics flew by the Hawks to start the game. (You see what I did there)
  2. The Celtics needed to shut down the Hawks X-factor, Kyle Korver. Korver went 5-9 from three point land which helped the Hawks to cut down the lead after the first quarter. The key for Celtics in this game was not so much shutting down Korver as it was the successive ignition of their own offense.
  3. Isaiah Thomas and Jeff Teague. Isaiah Thomas who posted a career-high 42 points (12-24 from the field, 13-15 FT) with only one turnover easily outperformed his adversary. Teague finished with 23 points on 7-17 shooting from the field with four turnovers.

The one stat that I mentioned that may get overlooked by most is that Thomas committed only one turnover. This stat is so important, especially considering that he was averaging three turnovers through the first two games.

The other big factor in this game was the production of Al Horford and Paul Millsap, who combined for 16 points. That was their lowest output in this series thus far, and were outperformed by Boston’s frontcourt duo of Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson, who finished with 26 points.

That can’t ever happen for the Hawks, who were banking on their advantage in the frontcourt coming into this series.

As the series goes on, this little key incident in Game 3, which could potentially sit Isaiah Thomas for Game 4, might be a huge factor in determining a winner. Check out this video below and judge for yourself: should Thomas be suspended for his “slap” to Dennis Schroder?

Game 4 is another must-win for Boston. Atlanta WILL fire back, and looked much better from the second quarter on in Game 3. The Boston Celtics need to be ready to return the favor and snag another game on their homecourt.

More sir charles in charge: NBA: Ranking The Contenders With The Most Pressure To Produce In The Playoffs

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday.

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