Bradley comes through again
CHICAGO — Did anyone enjoy the Celtics’ impressive first-round playoff series win over the Bulls more than Avery Bradley?
A year ago, the guard was limited to one playoff game because of a pulled hamstring as he helplessly watched the Celtics fall in six games to Atlanta. A strong season, highlighted by being named a first-team All-NBA defender, came to a frustrating close.
He made up for that lost series in helping the C’s overcome a 2-0 deficit and win the final four games against Chicago. Bradley was particularly impressive in the last two, as he scored a career playoff-high 24 points in Game 5 and followed with a team-high 23 in last night’s 105-83 clincher.
“First off it’s a blessing,” said Bradley. “You can’t take it for granted. To complete a first series of a playoff without an injury, it’s a blessing for me. It was difficult for me last year because I knew if I was out there, even though I was going up against Al (Horford), anything could’ve happened. I wanted to make up for it this year and play as hard as I can. “
Because of the injury and a lengthy stint on the disabled list this season, C’s coach Brad Stevens knew what it meant for Bradley to contribute.
“I’m happy for him,” said Stevens. “The silver lining of the Achilles strain and the two months that he’s missed in January and February was that it wasn’t April and May.
“Avery looks in midseason form the way that he’s playing right now. Maybe that break and that time off was actually a silver lining.”
Bradley hit 11-of-19 shots in Game 5, then connected on 9-of-12 last night to go along with his usual strong defense.
“Avery’s decision making and Avery’s play the last two games has been outstanding at both ends of the floor,” Stevens said.
All five starters scored in double figures in the series finale, but Horford pointed to Bradley for his play.
“Avery has been amazing,” said Horford. “First of all, he’s guarding a guy much taller than him (the 6-foot-2 Bradley marked the 6-7 Jimmy Butler). Just being relentless at both ends of the floor. He’s not only locking people down on defense. Offensively, we’re expecting a lot from him and he’s giving it to us. The last two games he caught fire a little bit. He’s been the difference for us. I’m just happy to see him finally healthy.”
Butler, the only Bull who seemed to pull his weight last night with a team-high 23 points, dished out a few kudos to Bradley.
“He made some shots. He guarded well. They played like the (No. 1) seed. They are really hard to guard, a really good team. He is part of that, along with all the other guys. When he is playing at a level like that, they are going to win some games.“