The Atlanta Hawks showed that the Boston Celtics can be vulnerable.
After losing the first two games of their first-round series in a bad way, the Hawks fired back.
A 130-122 Game 3 win for the Hawks gave them hope for the rest of the series.
Moreover, it was a wake-up call for the Celtics, as Jaylen Brown admitted after the game.
“We took their best punch, I don’t think we played as well as we could have played and we still were in the game.”
It’s on to Game 4 for Jaylen Brown & the Celtics pic.twitter.com/cGeG4Wo1BC
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 22, 2023
“I think that we took their best punch. I don’t think we played as well as we could have played, and we still were in the game, so ultimately we had chances to win. They made some super tough shots down the line in the fourth quarter — Trae with the step-back over Al in the corner, Dejounte heavily contested in the corner as well — those were two big threes they made, and we just have to do better in the first three quarters so down the stretch we can be in a better spot.”
Even after the loss, the Celtics remain confident that they can get past the Hawks.
The first two games of the series were the biggest proof that they are on a different level in comparison to Atlanta.
Still, that didn’t matter on Friday night, as Trae Young went off, dropping 32 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing 9 assists.
Dejounte Murray added 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for his team.
Brown had a quiet night, only scoring 15 points with one rebound and three assists.
This confirms what he said, as perhaps with a little bit more help, the Celtics could have won this game.
The Celtics remain a big threat not only for the Hawks but the rest of the East.
With a win in Game 4, everything will be set for them to close the series out at home.
Before the game, Brown caught a lot of attention due to his shoes.
Jaylen Brown’s shoes for tonight pic.twitter.com/SSlO6N1Px3
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 21, 2023
Brown wore some controversial sneakers that featured the name of Dr. James Naismith, who invented basketball.
Perhaps his attention was not on the game.
However, don’t expect this to be the case for the rest of the series, as Brown is trying to get his revenge now.
