Bucks, Warriors in position to pounce
Wins on Monday earn 3-1 series leads
The scenario is simple right now for Milwaukee and Golden State: Win a road game on Monday, go home toting a 3-1 series lead and be one win away from a spot in the NBA’S version of the Final Four.
The scenario is equally simple for Boston and Houston: Win a home game on Monday, or else.
Top-seeded Milwaukee leads fourth-seeded Boston 2-1 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series, and top-seeded Golden State leads fourth-seeded Houston 2-1 in their Western Conference semifinal. The Celtics and the Rockets host Game
4s, knowing a win will earn them a berth in what becomes a best-ofthree showdown and knowing a loss places them squarely on the abyss that overlooks elimination.
“It’s a great opportunity to respond,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
Boston had the home-court edge over Milwaukee, then gave it back with a loss on Friday night. Houston was a bounce or two away from getting into the most-dreaded 0-3 hole against Golden State, then rallied to win Game 3 on Saturday night and keep realistic hope alive against the two-time defending NBA champions.
“Every game is a must win for us, and we have to play like that,” said Houston’s P.J. Tucker, who made a slew of key plays to help the Rockets survive Game 3. “Every single possession, we have to fight for the ball, fight for everything the entire game.”
The Celtics and Warriors are going to be looking for more from their star guards in Game 4.
Boston’s Kyrie Irving was 8 for 22 from the floor in the Celtics’ Game 3 loss, but at least he made it to the free-throw line 12 times. Golden State’s Stephen Curry — playing with fingers taped together on his left hand following a dislocation of his middle finger — was 7 for 23 in the Warriors’ Game 3 loss, and was almost universally mocked on social media after missing a dunk in the final seconds.
“I want to shoot the ball better, and that’s going to happen,” Curry said.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr expects Curry to bounce back. “He’s just really competitive and he gets locked in and he gets a little big angry and he comes out with a lot of focus and a lot of fight,” Kerr said.
Another key for Golden State could a big first quarter. The Warriors outscored Houston 57-39 combined in the first quarters of Games 1 and 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The Rockets fared better in Saturday’s win and they trailed by a single point at the end of a first quarter where Eric Gordon scored seven points and
Clint Capela added six.
A big boost for Boston could come from Marcus Smart, who hasn’t played in a month and has yet to appear in these playoffs after a left oblique tear. Smart practiced on Sunday and has been cleared for contact, though no determination for his Game 4 availability has been officially made.
“I’m close,” Smart told reporters Sunday.
“He’s close,” Stevens said.
That would seem like a strong hint.