Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways As East's Top Seed Drops Game 1

Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways From Game 1

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 center Robin Lopez (8) shoots over Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rebounding is the Celtics’ Biggest Issue

The Celtics got out-rebounded this game. It was bad, like really bad. The Bulls grabbed 17 more rebounds and doubled the Celtics on the offensive glass. Rebounding is considered one of the key barometers to winning and here, rebounding won the game.

The Bulls came up big on the glass with Robin Lopez (11), Butler and Bobby Portis (nine each) and Rajon Rondo (seven) all doing work in the rebounding department.

On the other sides of the box score, Jae Crowder led the way with eight rebounds while Al Horford (seven), Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk (four) all fell below expectations.

The Celtics hit six more three-pointers than the Bulls, but the Bulls were able to attempt five more shots because of their offensive rebounding.

Horford, Johnson and Olynyk all need to box out and make a more meaningful impact on the glass because losing the rebound battle game in and game out makes victories much harder to come by.

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