Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways from Game 3 Victory

Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 Victory

Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) moves around defenderChicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) reacts during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Lineup Change Was A Success

Before the game, it was announced that the Boston Celtics had made a change, slotting Gerald Green into the starting lineup over Amir Johnson. Seeing Johnson moved out of the starting lineup wasn’t a major surprise. The Celtics were down 2-0 and Johnson only played nine minutes in Game 2.

However, seeing Green take his place was.

Green had played just six minutes in Game 1 and didn’t even get on the floor in Game 2. However, head coach Brad Stevens elected to go small and inserted Green into the starting lineup.

This move paid dividends.

The box score may not say that much; Green played 20 minutes and scored eight points on 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the 3-point line. Green being a threat to score from the perimeter was all that was needed to spread out the defense and open up the paint for drive and kicks.

Many Celtics fans were clamoring for Tyler Zeller to start so he could help contain Robin Lopez on the glass, but Green was able to come in and be a valuable contributor.

It was Green’s first start of the season, but don’t be surprised in Stevens sticks with this look in Game 4.

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