In the first half this looked like a possible letdown game, but some big games from some unexpected players, and a huge 20-0 run led to the Celtics routing the Knicks, 115-94. Let’s get into some of the things we liked, and didn’t like.
UP
1. Jonas Jerebko
An afterthought after the first two games, Jerkebko came to the Garden and instantly became a fan favorite. He showed a lot of defensive versatility (defending the 3 thru 5), and showed ridiculous range nailing a buzzer beating three at the end of the quarter that was an inch from out-of-bounds. With a thin frontcourt, the Celtics need versatile guys that can defend multiple positions, and they may have gotten a steal with Jerebko. He finished the night with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and impressive 4/6 from downtown.
2. Evan Turner
I’m not his biggest fan, but las night was one of his good days. Turner became the 10th Celtic in history to record a triple-double going for 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Turner was in control and playing within himself the whole night, and the best part of it all? He only had one turnover.
3. Jae Crowder staying hot
After a great couple games Crowder continued his great play with another gem against the Knicks. He continued to be a menace defensively no matter who he was defending, and he stayed patient offensively and again was reaped the benefits of his work. Crowder finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting an efficient 7/12 from the field. In his last three games Crowder is averaging 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
4. The Luxury of Isaiah Thomas
It’s been awhile since Boston had a guy to create for himself, and boy does it feel good. Though Isaiah only shot 3/10 from the field he still finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting a perfect 11/11 from the line. In the 3 games Thomas has played for Boston, he’s gone an impressive 23/25 from the line (92%), and has even gotten some comparison as a “mini-Harden”. This deal is looking more and more like the biggest trade of the deadline.
BONUS UP: Playoffs?
The Celtics, Pacers and Pistons all sit one game behind Brooklyn and Charlotte for the 8th seed. The Hornets will be making their way to Boston this Friday. Can you say playoff atmosphere?
DOWN
1. First Half
The Celtics looked lost and confused defending the Triangle offense. The Knicks pounded the paint, and were able to go into halftime up 49-48. Slow starts are something that has plagued this Celtics team all season, luckily we were able to turn it around during the second half.
2. Lou Amundson?
It feels like he’s played on every single NBA team at least once. I even remember writing an article back on him as a possible big man the Celtics might need for a playoff push during the 2010-2011 season. Regardless, he actually looked like an NBA talent last night scoring 14 points on an efficient 6/8 shooting.
3. Free Throws
Because of the soft interior defense the Celtics allowed the Knicks to get to the line 31 times last night while they only get there 20. This was abig part of the Knicks maintaining their first half lead.
4. James Young needs to get aggressive
Now that Stevens is giving him a window to play he needs to take advantage of it. With the playoffs so close, and the Celtics as legit contenders to get that spot, Stevens will play to win, and if Young isn’t helping the cause he could find himself with less or no minutes.
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