The Boston Celtics won a very close Game 3 at home by the score of 90-84 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead. It appeared too close for comfort at times as Boston had all the advantages coming into the game. Josh Smith was out of action for the Atlanta Hawks and the Celtics were playing on their home court. Still, Atlanta took them into overtime, where they narrowly escaped with a victory.
The matchup on Sunday will be crucial for Boston. If they win, they take a 3-1 series lead before heading to Atlanta for Game 5. If they lose it becomes a best of three series with home court in Atlanta's favor.
Now is the time for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Rajon Rondo to show what they are made of. The playoffs will not get any easier moving forward and they know it. They have the talent and experience; they just need to prove it.
The matchup:
The Boston Celtics will take on the Atlanta Hawks at the TD Garden located in Boston, Mass. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 7 p.m. EDT.
The standings:
Boston comes into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarters finishing the regular season with a 39-27 record. They were 24-9 on their home court this year.
Atlanta enters the matchup having finished the season with a 40-26 record. They were 17-16 on the road this year.
The playoff series:
The playoff series is currently stands at 2-1 in favor of the Celtics.
Where to watch:
The game can be watched live nationwide on TNT.
The playoff statistic leaders:
Boston: Paul Pierce- 23.0 points per game, Rajon Rondo- 11.5 assists per game, Kevin Garnett- 12.3 rebounds per game.
Atlanta: Joe Johnson- 20.7 points per game, Josh Smith- 4.5 assists per game, Josh Smith- 15.0 rebounds per game.
Injuries to note:
Boston: Avery Bradley (left shoulder), Chris Wilcox (aortic abnormality), Jeff Green (aortic aneurysm).
Atlanta: Al Horford (torn left pectoral muscle), Zaza Pachulia (foot), Josh Smith (Patellar tendinitis in left knee)
More Boston Celtics Commentary from Paul Rados:
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics, Eastern Quarters Game 3: Fan Playoff Preview
Boston Celtics should dominate with Miami trio likely to rest: Fan Preview
Boston Celtics prepare to take on Atlanta Hawks: Fan Preview
Takeaways from the Boston Celtics 102-98 win over the Orlando Magic: A fan's perspective
Fan Preview: After a tough loss in New York, are the Boston Celtics ready to face the Magic?
Sources:
All data provided by NBA.com
Paul Rados is an avid Boston Celtics fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
