How Boston Can Stay in the Playoff Race

The Boston Celtics have fallen behind the Chicago Bulls, 2-0, in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs this season, and now Boston heads into Chicago for the next 2 games on the Bull's home court to continue the series. It's sure to be a couple games to remember, as Boston now has the chance to be swept as the #1 seed by the #8 seed, something that, obviously, doesn't happen often.

The main question that everyone should be asking is simple. Why is Boston falling apart to the Bulls?

There are several key deciding factors into this answer. The first thing to say is that the problem is not Isaiah Thomas. Thomas got in the headlines the day before Game 1 of the series after the shocking death of his sister. Thomas didn't miss a beat, and scored 33 just a day after her death, collecting 6 rebounds and 6 assists along with his scoring outbreak. He looked quick as normal and appeared to be just fine.

When you watch the tape from both games, you can't help but notice that Boston has the advantage with their Big Play ability. Game 1 they dominated the highlight reel, slamming home dunks, shredding double coverage, and knocking the net off of threes. But Chicago hung in there, getting to the post, getting to the paint and keeping up with the Celtics score for score. In Game 1, Boston hit 6 more 3 point shots then the Bulls did. That being said, the Bulls knocked down 14 more baskets (8 double pointers, 6 free throws) than Boston did.

The Bulls have dominated the rebounding game. Even with Boston's big man Al Horford, Jimmy Butler and company have dominated the glass. Over the first 2 games of the series, Chicago boasts a +23 rebound advantage over the Celtics. That's 11.5 per game, not a healthy number for Boston.

If you look at the games in quarters results, Chicago is 6-2, including a 4-0 sweep in game 2 where the Bulls simply dominated in every aspect of the game and won, 111-97. They're 2-0 at the half.

Chicago is now 4-2 against the Celtics this season. After splitting the regular season series 2-2, Chicago now holds that record playing in Boston, and the Celtics are on their way to play the next 2 games in Chicago without a win on that court this season. Boston can't seem to pick up an edge.

If Boston want's to stay in this series, and get themselves to the next round, what must they do?

First things first. They have to get more looks at the basket. The first couple of games, Boston has hit 37/86 and 38/86, compiling about a 44.5% hit percentage. Chicago has hit 39/91 and 45/89 the past 2 games, respectively, and are sitting at a health 46%. So Boston's shooting isn't bad, but they still need to step up the game and try and get more shots then Chicago.

Secondly, to open up the first part of the plan, they need to rebound better, especially on the offensive side. The Bulls have a +9 advantage on offensive rebounds, so Boston really needs to take some risks and attack the glass.

Thirdly, keep spreading the ball. Boston has very nice shooters in Thomas, Avery Bradley, Horford, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart. Nobody needs to hog up the ball and prevent other teammates from getting touches. Spread the ball around, and get open shots.

Lastly, but not least, contain Jimmy Butler. Butler has been all over the court, rebounding and scoring in droves, scoring 52 points and collecting 17 rebounds through the first 2 games. He even knocked down 3 triple point shots in game one, something he isn't exactly known for, on wide open looks. He needs to be held in check.

It's going to be exciting to see where this series finishes considering the drama that has been brought into it. If Boston can turn it all around and finish strong, look out Cleveland, because Boston is motivated to win it all.