After the Celtics blew yet another 20 point lead, the improbable happened, we held on to win the game! After a 101-93 win the Celtics are now winners of three straight and are looking to get back to .500 with a much easier schedule ahead. Here are some of the things we liked and didn’t like about last night’s victory.
Up
1. Jeff Green leading the pack
Part of Boston’s dilemma that comes with this roster is their lack of someone who they can give the ball to late in games. Green might not be the long-term answer, but his newfound post game, and aggressive play on both ends of the floor has given Boston someone they can rely on a bit late in the game. Green finished the game with 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists while going toe to toe with Paul Pierce. If Green continues this type of strong play, Boston will have a chance to get closer to .500 with a less competitive schedule coming up.
2. Rajon Rondo playing with poise
In a big game against a big opponent, Rondo lead the team beautifully. Rondo made highlight play after play, pushed the pace consistently, and played sound defense on his way to his second triple double of the year. Though Rondo has shot 32% from the field the last two games (11/34), the important thing is that his taking what the defense is giving him instead forcing a pass or getting stagnant. At this stage of his career we all know what Rondo is, the best we can expect from him is to play fluently and live with the shooting woes because his so great at everything else.
3. Marcus Thornton en FUEGO!
After having a pretty disappointing start to the season that has been filled with inconsistency, Thornton finally found the stroke that had us all excited for the regular season. Thornton was a key part in our offense leading our bench with 21 points on 7/12 shooting including 3/4 from the three-point line. This is the most FG made and attempted Thornton has had all season, and Boston needed every one of them. Hopefully Thornton can continue his hot streak into Monday nights game, it takes pressure off the starters when theirs a player on the second team capable of scoring enough to hold onto leads.
4. Fastbreak points
The Celtics high octane offense which predicates itself on getting up and down the court looked great last night. The Celtics won the fastbreak battle 21-11, thanks to the Wizards poor first half shooting leading to opportunities, and the urgency the team displayed getting down the court. With a roster limited by many players who can’t create their own shot this is one area of the game that we need to win.
Down
1. Kelly Olynyk went ghost
After one of his best games of the season, Olynyk followed it by a rather forgettable game. 0 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover, four fouls, and, maybe worst of all, just 1 shot attempt. As talented as Olynyk is, it’s very frustrating to watch him play so inconsistently and lost. However, this kind of game gets swept under the rug when the team is able to pull out the victory.
2. Offensive glass woes
For the second straight game the Celtics were beat pretty thoroughly on the offensive glass. Offensive rebounds lead to easy buckets, and potentially 2nd and 3rd opportunities that can not be allowed. Expect Brad Stevens to harp on the 16-9 edge that the Wizards had on the offensive glass going into the game on Monday.
3. Maintain the Lead
Again the Celtics were up by as many as 25, but yet still found themselves a missed three-point attempt by Pierce from falling behind late in the fourth. Though some of the lead ballooned because that the Wizards came out so cold, Boston has to find a way to get big leads, and maintain them. This should be able to happen when players start to understand their roles more (specifically on the second unit), and focus on doing that.
4. Someone put a hand up on Rasual Butler!!
Part of the reason the Celtics blew such a big lead was for whatever reason allowing Rasual Butler to shoot uncontested 3 after uncontested 3. Butler went off for 6/10 shooting from long range, and almost shot the Wizards to an improbable comeback. I don’t expect anyone to help off of Butler when play the Wizards again on Monday night.
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