Most of us expected the Celtics to pull this game out, but a fully rested Hornets team that had a full 4 days to practice were more poised and ready to get back on track. In a frustrating game the Hornets, were able to take control late and win 96-87. Before we harp on the issues let’s look at what we did well.
UP
1. Bench Scoring
Again the Celtics bench seems to raising their level of play outscoring Charlotte’s bench 37-26. Highlighted by Marcus Thorton’s 16 points, the bench was +23 compared to the Hornets bench that was a -36.
2. Brandon Bass continues hot shooting
After a 19 point performance against the Wizards, Bass followed it up with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 18 minutes. Bass is part of the second unit that has had a lot of success the past couple games. His consistency Stevens might just raise his minutes.
3. Rondo’s triple double
We’ll get back to Rondo later, but after a triple double performance against the Wizards he followed it up with another against the Hornets posting 12/10/10. It was his second triple double in three games.
4. Jeff Green staying aggressive
Though Green disappeared a little at the end while the Celtics were riding Thornton’s hot hand, Green had a pretty efficient night posting 16 points and 4 rebounds on 6/12 shooting, including 4/5 from the line. Stevens has made a big effort to get Green in the post, and it’s something that his going to continue to get better at the more touches he gets there.
Down
1. Containing Al Jefferson
In the preview we talked about how important it would be to control Al Jefferson, even saying that maybe the Celtics should go zone to help neutralize him. However, knowing Stevens, we all had the sense he was just going to play Jefferson straight up, and try to contain everyone else. It was the wrong move, Jefferson went off for 23 points 14 rebounds and 3 assists while hitting some game-clinching shots down the stretch. With such an advanced post game it would be unfair to blame Zeller, Sullinger, or Bass for not being able to defend him. Knowing his personnel, Stevens should have understood that mixing in some zone could have helped throw Jefferson off-balance.
2. Non-aggressive offense
Maybe the Celtics were still tired from the double overtime thriller, but they were very passive on the offensive end. Of their 87 shot attempts, 23 of them were three’s, and they only got to the line ten times, compared to the Hornets who shot 29 free throws. Celtics also only had 9 fastbreak points which for a team that is 1st in pace isn’t all that impressive. Boston will need to be more aggressive Friday if they want any chance of winning.
3. Evan Turner and Marcus Smart come up empty
After being the two stars of the second unit on Monday, both Evan Turner and Marcus Smart pulled a disappearing act against the Hornets. In 31 combined minutes the duo went for 0 points on 0/6 shooting, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 turnovers. It’s understandable to have a bad night, but they both seemed very passive though Turner may have been because he was in foul trouble.
4. Rajon Rondo non-factor in crunch time
As this season continues on its roller coaster one thing that has remained pretty consistent is Rondo’s inability to be effective in crunch time. Rondo had all his turnovers in the fourth quarter, allowed Kemba Walker to hit a big and-one that put the game just out of reach, and barley looked to score until his garbage time floater that was too little and too late. Obviously, were not going to pretend that Rondo is the sole reason we lose these games, because he’s not, and at times his been the reason were in games. However, as our captain, best player, and man who will be seeking 20 million dollars a year it’s completely okay for a fan to expect more out of his star when it comes time to make a play in crunch time. With 62 games left this will be a headline to watch for.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
