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
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 guard Terry Rozier (12) goes in for a dunk while Chicago Bulls guard Anthony Morrow (11) defends 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
Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) goes in for a dunk while Chicago Bulls guard Anthony Morrow (11) defends 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 /

The Bench Contributed… But Not Enough

The Celtics had 31 bench points this game, which isn’t a bad figure, but it’s not stellar. Terry Rozier had his best game of the series, canning three triples en route to 11 points, three rebounds, and one steal.

Marcus Smart was also serviceable off the bench, contributing seven points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Smart has contributed all over the box score this series, averaging 9.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over the last three outings. However the Celtics are still missing that sixth man who will score in double digits on a consistent basis.

Rozier looked like that player on Friday night, and should see more minutes thrown his way the rest of the series after his performance tonight.

Kelly Olynyk was disappointing, only scoring five points on 2-of-5 shooting, although he did see his minutes dip. Jaylen Brown only saw the floor for one minute, which was a surprising move as he has struggled as a whole in this series.

As a whole, the bench looked better than it had previously in this series, but there’s still room for improvement.

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Look for Terry Rozier, who had a great regular season, and Marcus Smart to carry the bench the rest of the way for the Boston Celtics.