A mix of leftover thoughts and analysis about what is left to come in this series after a second watch of Bucks-Celtics Game 3:
1. Gordon Hayward’s Game 3 was better than the box score indicated: Ten points from a player on a max contract is far from ideal but a closer inspection of Hayward’s offensive impact during this game showed an important offensive weapon. Not only was he able to repeatedly get into the teeth of the Bucks defense but he almost always made the right pass. He finished with five assists on the night but could have easily been in double-digits if a few more open shots fell for Boston. The number of hockey assists he tallied approached double digits as well.
The missed shots were particularly costly, especially in the midst of a 12-0 Bucks run in the third quarter (missed floater, open 3) but the quality of the looks was consistent. Hayward is taking smart shots, something the rest of this team can learn a lesson from over the course of 48 minutes. The Celtics could certainly use more firepower from the bench but if the rest of the starting five is red-hot from beyond the arc, there is no need for him to force the issue. Having him set the table is just as important for this group against a collapsing Bucks defense.
As much as I wished he'd look at the rim more this series, Hayward has a been a guy who consistently has gotten in the paint and forced Milwaukee to help. Lost the handle here but his drives are opening up opportunities for the Celtics. pic.twitter.com/OPLup2uZ9x
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) May 4, 2019
George Hill just silenced the Garden pic.twitter.com/Nho9wlJLcr
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 4, 2019
As a known Giannis slower downer Semi deserves this call at home tbh pic.twitter.com/dS4vYQEyxh
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) May 4, 2019
The Greek Freak takes flight MJ style!! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/ILrZkzkm2N
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 4, 2019