The Celtics said all the right things going in to Game 4. In his pre-game interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, Marcus Smart talked about being a leader, how Game 2’s post-game locker room blowout galvanized the team, and how Game 3’s performance was a manifestation of Boston’s togetherness. They had gotten extended rest and were primed to tie up the series.
That didn’t happen.
Game 4 was the complete opposite of every game so far in the Eastern Conference Finals. Through the first three games, Boston has come out at a blistering pace.