For the first time since the Dallas game, Boston rallied from being down 20 plus, and almost stole a game. It took two overtimes and a classic performance from John Wall, but the Wizards were able to squeak away with a 133-132 win. However, there was a lot of good to take from the Celtics who played one of the best teams in the East right down to the bone. Let’s get into the positives.
Up
1. Marcus Smart is back
After having a few rusty looking games, Smart put up maybe his best game of the season posting 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He also played some phenomenal defense getting multiple charge calls and fighting through screens like a warrior. If Smart can keep this up, there is no one in my mind who deserves the Rookie of the Year award more than him.
2. Celtics Bench went berserk!
Celtics bench was just on fire last night winning the points battle 82-27! To put that in perspective the Milwaukee Bucks bench is the best in the league and they average 44.7 points per game, Celtics nearly doubled that total. On a night where the starters didn’t have enough juice the bench stepped up and then some against one of the better teams in the conference.
3. Evan Turner looked like a lottery pick
Evan Turner is continuing his strong play as of late with an 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists last night. None of the shots was bigger than the three that tied it up at 110 and sent the game in the first overtime. If Turner continues to play like this Boston might end up having one of the better benches in the league.
4. Kelly Olynyk bounced back nicely
After Sunday’s disappearing act by Olynyk he followed it by playing one of his greatest games of the season. 19 points, 11 rebounds, 7 of them offensive, and 3 assets were his stats before fouling out after two questionable calls. Beyond the numbers it was great just seeing Olynyk play with such heart and passion. He seemed fully engaged in the game, and was fully locked in, something he suffers to do consistently. With Smart back I hope Olynyk is able to continue his high energy play that Smart just seems to ooze out of players.
BONUS: John Wall
I know we usually don’t place an up for an opposing player, but this one is in exception in my book. After an amazing performance from Wall posting 26 points, 17 assists, and 7 rebounds he followed it with one of the most emotional postgame speeches I have ever watched. A six-year-old girl named Miyah who he grew really close with lost her battle with cancer. When asked about it all Wall could get out was that he played this game for her before completely breaking down, then walking away. Though there are many players who do great things for their community not a lot of players have that much invested as he was. It sucks losing such a close game, but after hearing that story I gained a deeper respect for Wall, not just as a basketball player, but as a man.
Down
1. Rajon Rondo
After getting a triple-double Sunday, Rondo went completely invisible last night. He finished with 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and just seemed un-engaged in the game. We know Rondo does have games like this, but again as our captain and best player theirs no way performances like this should be accepted. He’ll be looking to rebound against the Hornets tomorrow.
2. Maintaining the lead
After going up by 7 twice in both Overtimes the Celtics failed to hold either lead and eventually lost by one. As a young team these type of things happen and it’s understandable, hopefully the Celtics continue to learn from these near misses as they continuously improve.
3. Bradley and Sullinger quiet night
Rondo wasn’t the only starter that came out looking flat. Both Bradley and Sullinger had forgettable nights to their standards. Sullinger finished with 5 points, and 5 rebounds while Bradley had 7 points on 9 shots with two rebounds and an assist. For Sullinger this won’t be something you see often. He’s a big part of our offense, and his skill set usually allows him to be a force for us. However, time and time again we’re seeing if Bradley struggles to score he really doesn’t bring much else to the game that a player like Marcus Smart can’t do already. Like I’ve stated after the first game of the season, if Bradley goes through a long of cold streak and Smart continues to show to get back to form and play excellent, Bradley could be the second one to lose his job.
4. We missed such a great opportunity
After rallying from 23 points down, the Celtics had a chance to become winners of four in a row going into two very winnable games against the Bobcats and the Knicks. The Celtics could have potentially been on a nine game win streak with the only tough game not coming until December 21st against the Heat. However, the Celtics still have a great chance to capitalize on a weak schedule and possibly go into January with a close to .500 record; something they did last year before a brutal January. These next few months will be big in deciding whether Boston will be looking to make a playoff run or selling their assets and adopting the full rebuild mentality.
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