Celtics Marcus Sensible on tailbone harm: ‘We’ll see how I really feel within the morning’

After sitting within the driver’s seat by means of the primary two video games, the Boston Celtics fell to the Atlanta Hawks 130-122 in Recreation 3 on the street at State Farm Area. Whereas Boston shot effectively from past the arc, they didn’t reply Atlanta on the boards and the Hawks’ transition offense. The Celtics had been outrebounded 48-29, and outscored within the ache 54-40 after tying or main in paint factors within the first two video games.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be simple,” mentioned Marcus Sensible in his postgame press convention. If something, Recreation 3 was rather more in regards to the Hawks than it was in regards to the Celtics. Atlanta leaned closely on their rebounding and paint presence, the place the overwhelming majority of their factors got here from. Boston shot 43.8% from past the arc, however on virtually 50 makes an attempt (21-of-48 from three), their highest makes an attempt complete this collection. Whereas it was a irritating loss, it felt like Atlanta making a stand on homecourt. Sensible cited rebounds as a serious difficulty for Boston, because it led to so many second probability buckets for the Hawks (outscored Boston 23-9).

“There’s nothing tactical about it,” mentioned Sensible on the Hawks profitable the battle of the boards. “It’s only a matter of will. They usually needed it extra tonight. They go each night time. We’ve gotta be capable to cease that. Like I mentioned, they’re getting second-chance pictures, they get to feeling good.”

The talks and chatter a few sweep in the end fell quick, however the messaging throughout the locker room has remained regular and constant: deal with enterprise and don’t underestimate your opponent. Boston can have the chance to reply on Sunday at 7PM EST in Atlanta, the place they’ll doubtlessly take a 3-1 lead…or, the Hawks tie this collection up at two apiece.

Later within the recreation, Marcus Sensible went up for a rebound try, took some contact within the air, and got here down onerous instantly on his tailbone. Whereas he ended up taking part in the remainder of the sport, it was nonetheless very a lot bothering him after the ultimate whistle.

“Sore,” mentioned Sensible when requested by NBC Sport’s Abby Chin how his tailbone was feeling. “It’s sore. Similar spot because the final time, (the autumn) simply caught me off guard. We’ll see the way it feels within the morning.” Along with his physicality and playstyle, a lot of these accidents have turn into commonplace for Boston’s longest-tenured participant and de facto tone-setter on each side of the ball.

His absence could be a tough one to work round, particularly if Trae Younger and Dejounte Murray are beginning to discover their bearings. Boston discovered themselves in foul bother towards Atlanta in Recreation 3, with each Jaylen Brown and Derrick White racking up whistles left and proper; if the Celtics are attempting to take care of a lead on this collection, Sensible is completely crucial. As of Saturday night, Sensible is listed as questionable for Sunday’s Recreation 4, after providing an replace Saturday afternoon throughout media availability.

“Rewatching the play, I took a tough fall. I didn’t understand how excessive I used to be,” mentioned Sensible, “However, I’m okay, comparatively talking. Somewhat sore in the present day, however we’ll see how I really feel tomorrow although. Probably not certain the place we’re at with taking part in, however we’ll see.”

On what the therapy plan is, Sensible mentioned “It’s comfortable tissue, so simply attempting to regulate the muscle spasms, and also you don’t actually wanna do an excessive amount of due to the trauma that’s already there. Simply kinda let it heal by itself proper now.” Sensible made a degree to acknowledge that he’s had the identical harm earlier than, so he nonetheless has some remaining scar tissue that was aggravated.

“For probably the most half, I’m okay,” mentioned Sensible, “It’s higher than I anticipated it to be this morning, in order that’s an excellent signal.” Getting his fair proportion of bumps and bruises all through the season is run of the mill at this level for Sensible, and outdoors of a damaged bone or one thing that will severely hinder his motion, I’d count on to nonetheless see him on Sunday.

As of now, the Philadelphia 76ers have swept the Brooklyn Nets after profitable Recreation 4 on Saturday 96-88; Sixers star and MVP candidate Joel Embiid didn’t play as he’s coping with a knee harm. With Philly ready within the wings, the earlier the Celtics can shut this collection out towards the Hawks, the higher.