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Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways From Game 1

By Jack Jameson

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets a hug from guard Avery Bradley (0) after hitting a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gets a hug from guard Avery Bradley (0) after hitting a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center KellyOlynyk (41) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center KellyOlynyk (41) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Celtics Need to Contain Jimmy Butler … For More Than a Half

Jimmy Butler had seven points in the first half. Butler finished the game with 30 points, including a 15-point fourth quarter. A flip was switched after halftime and Butler was able to take over the game.

It’s puzzling because Jae Crowder did such a good job on Butler in the first half, but in the second Butler had his way with the Celtics’ defense.

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The Marquette product was effective from all around the court, shooting 9-for-19 from the field while also hitting nine free throws and three shots from behind the arc. Additionally, Butler chipped in nine rebounds and three assists.

Butler is indisputably the Bulls’ best player and Chicago will only go as far as Butler can carry them.

It may be smart for Brad Stevens to experiment more with Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart matching up with Butler. Using all parts of the Celtics’ three-headed defensive monster could cause Butler to struggle more as he faces different defenders.

To win this series, the Celtics will need to figure out how to limit Butler, or else they could be sent home packing early.

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