Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Bucks

1. No Irving, no problem

The biggest question going into the playoffs was whether or not the Celtics were going to be able to win games in the playoffs without Irving. Without question, he’s their best offensive player. His ability to shoot it from anywhere on the floor as well as his ability to dribble and get others involved proved to be vital to their success this season.

He finished the season averaging 24.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. After getting the news that Irving would not be returning this season and instead remain out for the next 4-5 months, it almost felt as if that was it for Boston.

Terry Rozier had other ideas for Boston and their fans. Rozier hit a clutch 3 that looked to have won the game, and though Khris Middleton hit an even bigger shot to send the game into overtime, Rozier hit a lot of big shots down the line and was a key reason Boston was able to win Game 1.

Rozier finished with 23 points and while he was a bright spot down the stretch, it doesn’t take away the fact that everyone was involved offensively. Boston had four players that score at least 20 or more points, and Jayson Tatum finished the game one point shy of 20 as well.

Without Boston’s best offensive player, it will be important for everyone to play big offensively. If the Celtics all find ways to score, then there really isn’t any reason they should be concerned about losing.

Next: Power ranking all 16 teams in the 2018 NBA Playoffs

Boston will play Game 2 at the TD Garden on Tuesday.