The Celtics got back into the win column on Wednesday night, beating the Pistons 109-102. Jeff Green led the way for the Cs with 32 points, including 6 of 10 from 3 and a perfect 10/10 from the foul line. Kelly Olynyk energized the team off the bench, totaling 20 points and 7 rebounds. Jared Sullinger gave the Celtics 10 points when it mattered most in overtime, connecting on both his 3 point tries in the period.
The Celtics had no answer for Andre Drummond or Greg Monroe in the paint. Drummond finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks while Monroe had 29 points and 7 rebounds. Detroit’s point guards, Brandon Jennings and D.J. Augustin, shot a combined 0 of 17.
If I were to describe the first half in a single word, it would be “clank.” Both teams struggled badly shooting the basketball, with the Celtics shooting 34% and the Pistons at 33%. The Pistons did much of their damage on the low block and at the foul line, scoring 24 paint points and 10 free throws, which accounted for all but nine of their first half points. The Cs were only able to muster 12 paint points and 2 second chance points against the Pistons massive front line.
The 2nd half saw much of the same poor shooting for both sides, with the exception of Jeff Green for the Celtics. Green connected on 3 of his 5 attempts from deep and got to the free throw line 8 times, making all of them. The Cs held an 11 point lead with 3:30 remaining until Greg Monroe took over for the Pistons. Monroe scored 11 points in the final three and a half minutes, bringing the Pistons within 1 point of Boston with 20 seconds left. After two Evan Turner free throws, Detroit drew up a play for Caron Butler, who knocked down a three to send the game to overtime.
The Celtics jumped out to a quick lead in the overtime period thanks to a couple of Jared Sullinger 3 pointers. While the Celtics once again tried to give the game away, allowing Detroit to cut the lead from 9 to 3 in a 35 second span, they held on for the much needed win.
The Green:
- Kelly. Olynyk. The Celtics missed this guy. His 20 points were huge off the bench and his success seemed to inject energy into the entire team on a night where they desperately needed it.
- Jeff Green’s shooting. The Celtics could not have won this game without Jeff Green. Green came into the game 5 of his last 35 from 3 point range, but went 6/10 tonight. While he struggled a little bit from inside the 3 point line, he continued to attack the basket and was able to get to the foul line 10 times. While 8/22 is not technically a great shooting night, 32 points on 22 shots is a good scoring night. Give Green credit for finding a way to put up 30 points when his normal drives to the rim were not available against a big Pistons front line.
- Jared Sullinger in OT. Out of anyone on this team, I just get the feeling that Jared Sullinger has the best personality for taking and making shots late in games. I think Marcus Smart has that same make up, based off what he did in college, but it’s too early to tell in the NBA. Sully really picked his team up in OT after having a below average game in regulation.
- Marcus Smart. I know he struggled in his limited playing time, but it was great to see him get back out on the floor. Hopefully the Celtics can get him acclimated quickly, as his defense and overall toughness have definitely been missed.
The Gross:
- The Cs once again gave up a late lead and allowed the game to go to OT. They were up 11 with three and a half to play, and then let Greg Monroe abuse them on the block. While they still picked up the W, it would be nice to see them close out a game cleanly.
- Rajon Rondo. This is the first time I’ve seen Rondo lack confidence in his entire career. He’s still passing the ball well, but his impact has not been felt in the same way it was early on in the season. I wouldn’t expect that to last. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rondo breaks out for a triple double over the weekend.
The Greenlights:
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The Grid:
- The Celtics overcame 56 paint points from the Pistons compared to Boston’s 30
- The Celtics shot worse from 2 point range than from 3 tonight. Chalk that up to Detroit’s big bodies down low.
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