Your Morning Dump… With Backs Against the Wall, Celtics Tie Series 2-2

Al+Horford+Dunk vs bulls

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Carrying four fouls and with his team losing all momentum, Thomas went into take-over mode, challenging all five Bulls defenders with a series of acrobatic drives, teardrops, and picturesque layups.

Page 3: Where Gerald Green is Making Coach Stevens Look Good

Green’s addition to the Celtics’ primary rotation has noticeably affected Chicago’s defense. While Johnson was featured for his interior presence, he’s not a threat to step out for a mid-range or 3-point shot. Green’s presence on the court allows the Celtics to space the floor and become multi-dimensional on offense. This takes the stress of Isaiah Thomas, who paced Boston with 33 points in Game 4.

Another positive aspect of Green is his intangibles. He’s a high-energy player who keeps his teammates motivated both when he’s on the court or on the bench. And at 31 years of age, he’s the oldest player on the Boston’s roster. His veteran stature provides a calming presence for a Celtics team that lacks postseason experience.

Green is a role player, but he’s a role player who brings a lot to the table. Given that his addition to the starting lineup has galvanized the Celtics to even the series, it’s hard to imagine Stevens will put him back on the bench anytime soon.

NESN

Gerald Green is providing the missing ingredients for Boston’s starters. Problems with rebounding? Green pulled down 5 in the first quarter. Trouble finding a secondary scoring option? Green scores 16 in the first half.

While most of his output came in the first 24 minutes, he had a thunderous dunk to begin the third, temporarily bringing back memories of his dunk contest dominance:

https://twitter.com/SheaSerrano/status/856312517186007041

He hit three 3s in the first quarter and carried the offense in the second while Thomas was on the bench. The playoff stage doesn’t impact Gerald Green like it does the younger players. He’s probably our best isolation scorer outside of Isaiah, and his offensive confidence injected energy into a previously hapless Celtic team.

Celtics fans were unsure what to expect from Green when Danny Ainge signed him last July. Long-time C’s supporters were happy to see him return to Boston. We needed a veteran presence off the bench, anybody who could make up the scoring void left by Evan Turner. Before the regular season began, some suggested Green should be released so the team could retain both RJ Hunter and James Young. Fast forward seven months, he’s putting up 18 and 7 as a starter in the playoffs.

Green is a unique breed, a savvy veteran with ageless athleticism. His offensive aggression does lead to head-scratching plays from time-to-time, but this Celtics team needs that irrational confidence. Nobody expected Stevens to start him. Green has certainly seen it all during his up-and-down NBA career. He knows that opportunities are scarce, and when they called his number as the new starter, Green took full advantage and lifted this young team.

The Rest of the Links:

Boston Globe: Finn: A nice surprise from Gerald Green | Shaughnessy: Gerald Green to the Rescue? | Celtics Even Series with Bulls

CSNNE: IT’s Dribbling should be Least of Hoiberg’s Concerns | Thomas Praises C’s Support

ESPN: Thomas: ‘no one can guard me’

MassLive: Thomas Responds to Hoiberg Dribbling Claims | Celts-Bulls 10 Takeaways

Providence Journal: Boston Ties Series

WEEI: Green, Thomas lead C’s to 2-2 Tie

Boston Herald: Thomas Speaks Softly but Carries Big Impact

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