The Boston Celtics nearly completed a huge comeback in Game 1 of their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks, but a hamstring injury to Avery Bradley took the air out of the team, and now the Celtics head into Game 2 not only down a game but also down Bradley.
Celtics vs. Hawks, NBA playoffs 2016: Time, TV schedule and live stream
The Celtics try to bounce back after not only losing Game 1, but also Avery Bradley.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Boston erased a 19-point deficit and led by three in the fourth quarter when Bradley got hurt, and the Hawks immediately took advantage and pulled out a 102-101 victory. The Celtics guard likely won't be available for the rest of the series, meaning Brad Stevens' crew is going to have to find a way to win without one of its key two-way players.
Bradley is a vicious perimeter defender and one of the team's better three-point shooters, and it'll take a team effort to replace his contributions. Marcus Smart and Evan Turner will be counted on the most to fill in, but perhaps rookies R.J. Hunter and Terry Rozier get an opportunity, as well.
Losing Bradley will especially hurt when it comes to slowing down Jeff Teague. The Hawks point guard had a big Game 1, with 23 points and 12 assists, and not having Bradley around to help check Teague moving forward could wind up being the difference in the series.
Al Horford and Paul Millsap also gave the Celtics a lot of problems in Game 1, as did role player Kent Bazemore:
Isaiah Thomas on Kent Bazemore: "Guys like that, we gotta try to limit them. We can’t have guys like that having big games."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 18, 2016
In addition to Bradley, Boston could be without Kelly Olynyk, who's dealing with a right shoulder injury.
How to watch Celtics-Hawks Game 2
Place: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Ga.
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
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