With four games remaining on their schedule, the Boston Celtics’ short lived stay at the top of the Eastern Conference is now part of history.
They are now looking up at the Cleveland Cavaliers who own a full game lead over the second placed East team, and will have to muster everything in their power if they wish to secure an all-important home court advantage throughout the conference playoffs.
Although the team may downplay the importance of the top spot, Wednesday night’s game proved that Boston needs the advantage more than Cleveland does.
One of the team’s most important players in Jae Crowder suited up against the defending champions despite nursing a mysterious elbow injury, and he definitely had his hands full against LeBron James and company.
The Atlanta Hawks are slated to face the Celtics next to cap off their back-to-back affair and the gritty forward isn’t planning to leave any stones unturned.
“It was workable,” Crowder told Jay King of Masslive.com after the defeat to Cleveland. “A little weird, but workable. We've got a game tomorrow. Focus on Atlanta. There's not many left in this regular season. We have to bounce back soon.”
Boston’s core is known for its toughness and Crowder may be the best person who exemplifies that impressive trait. The Hawks won’t be a cakewalk for Boston especially with Paul Millsap back in the lineup. But nothing is supposed to come easy with a goal that high.
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