In game with serious playoff implications the Celtics had a chance to close in within percentage points of the 8th seed. After falling behind by as many by 16, the new faces carried us back and delivered one of the best wins of the season. With a 106-98 win over the Hornets, the Celtics are now in a virtual 4 way tie with the Pacers, Hornets, and Nets for that last playoff spot. Here’s what we liked and didn’t like.
UP
1. Isaiah Thomas= Mini-Harden
If you weren’t sure about it after the Knicks game, you should know now. Even when Isaiah Thomas struggles from the field, his ability to get to line remains one of his strongest skills. After a tough first half Thomas responded by scoring 21 of his 28 points in the second half, including 14 4th quarter points. It wasn’t always pretty for Thomas (shot 9/22), but he stayed aggressive, got to the line, and made big plays when it counted most. He finished the game with 28 points, 7 assists, and 8/10 shooting from the line.
2. Jonas Jerebko’s versatility
After a strong game against New York, Jerebko responded with an even better game against the Hornets – 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. The most impressive thing about him continues to be his defensive versatility, and energetic play style. He was once again playing the center position at the end of the game, and the Celtics were playing their best basketball.
3. Avery Bradley heating up when it counts
Bradley had a pretty quiet first half, but just like his hometown buddy, he found his game in the second half. Bradley was all over the court being a menace defensively, and he hit some big 3’s down the stretch when Boston was getting back in to the game. His biggest baskets came on consecutive put-back dunks where he took advantage of Mo Williams’ ball watching, and put an exclamation point on a late 9-0 run. Since coming back from the all-star break, Avery Bradley has been averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
4. Rebounding
The Celtics may have been out rebounded by the Hornets, 48-47, but they also took 14 more shots, and beat them on the offensive glass, 14-8. More impressively, six Celtics had 5 rebounds or more, and everyone who got in the game grabbed at least one board. That’s how you makeup for lack of size!
Down
1. Containing Mo Williams
The veteran continues to be kryptonite to the Celtics. Williams went crazy in the 3rd hitting four 3’s before having to take a seat with foul trouble. He finished the game with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
2. 25-1
In a 9:14 stretch from the second to the third, the Hornets went on a 25-1 run. They went from down ten, to up 14. During that time the Celtics missed 14 straight shots, and couldn’t seem to figure out the Hornets defense.
3. James Young
Surprisingly, James Young has been making strides on defense. He’s been less of a liability, though he’s still far from his full potential. But I’m starting to worry about his offense (2 points, 1-5 FG, 0-4 3FG) . Young doesn’t really seem to be getting enough touches, and Stevens might consider running a few sets for him early in the game to get him going.
4. Upcoming roster issues?
With the Celtics looking like they found a steady lineup and groove playing without Olynyk, it will be interesting to see how Stevens inserts him back in. Taking away minutes from guys like Crowder, Bass, and Jerbko could be detrimental to the flow. Hopefully Stevens brings him in slowly, and makes him earn his minutes back. Though Olynyk is one of the best shooter on the team, and has great vision, he also has a tendency to fall into non-aggressive lapses. Also, with the ankle injury, and already shaky defense, it will be interesting to see how much defensive versatility Olynky can bring. Will he be able to hold his own against 5 for stretches? Will he be able to stick with stretch 4’s? All looming questions we’ll be finding out answers to in the next couple of weeks.
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