After a big win against the Miami Heat, the Celtics caught no breaks going up against the grind-it-out Memphis Grizzles. In a game that most expected to get ugly with the Celtics playing without their closer Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics went toe-to-toe with the Grizzles in a game that had 15 ties and 14 lead changes. Behind some great play-calling and a great team effort the Celtics pulled off a 31 point 4th quarter on their way to a 95-92 win. Here’s some things we liked and didn’t like.
UP
1. Tyler Zeller
For a guy who’s already been labeled as a “Backup Center on a good team,” Zeller played one of his most impressive games of the season against arguably one of the best centers in the game. Zeller did a great job running the floor, defending both Randolph and Gasol when tasked, and defending the paint (3 blocks). Zeller also shot a perfect 6-6 from the line. He finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, compared to Marc Gasol’s 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. Advantage #GodZeller
2. Jae Crowder showing poise
We’ve gotten on Crowder a bit for taking some questionable shots down the stretch of games, but I’ve always applauded him for wanting to take the big shots, and last night he actually made them. Crowder hit some big shots down the stretch including a 3 late in the fourth that briefly gave the Celtics a lead. Crowder had a big 16 points off the bench including 3/4 from 3. Crowder is continuing to play some great basketball for the Celtics, and is making a case to be a long-term option.
3. Brad Stevens
Gotta give credit where credit is due, down 90-88, Brad Stevens diagrammed a perfect play. With Evan Turner inbounding, Crowder and Smart ran near identical curls to the basket, after Crowder ran through, Turner lobbed it up to Smart who made a great catch and finish with the foul, hitting the free throw to give the Celtics a 91-90 lead. These types of play-calls are what separate the Celtics from other rebuilding teams. Stevens knows how to coach, and he’s fully invested in winning.
4. AB= Cold-Blooded
With his first game back from injury, Avery Bradley came out rusty (1/8 from three), but looked great in the 4th quarter hitting the dagger jumper over Marc Gasol. The Celtics are learning how to win, and having multiple guys who can step up and hit “The Shot” is a great building block.
DOWN
1. Containing Mike Conley
With Gasol and Randolph having horrible games, Mike Conley stepped up and had a big game for the Grizzles. Defended by a still rusty Avery Bradley, Conley did a great job of getting wherever he wanted on the floor, and after missing time due to the ankle injury, he came back and didn’t miss a beat (except for the final shot). He finished with 20 points on 9/12 shooting.
2. “Shoot it Kelly!!”
Olynyk had a decent game posting 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, but he did have five turnovers, and passed up multiple wide open shots. As one of the best shooters on this team, Olynyk needs to take advantage of all his opportunities. Pump-faking out of a great shot can be detrimental to the flow of the offense, and the quicker he understands that, the better the team will be.
3. Containing Tony Allen
For a player not known to be much of an offensive threat, Tony Allen was a force on offense (16 points on 7/9 shooting). To be fair, most of his success was due to the fact that Boston was doubling Gasol and Randolph.
4. Points in the Paint
Grizzles had their way with the Celtics in the paint outscoring them 50-36.
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