Right when the anti-playoff crowd started to peek their heads through, the Celtics came out and put on a great display of basketball. Since their win against Philadelphia the Celtics had been 2-5. Mixed with a couple bad losses, and some expected ones it was understandable why fans started to wonder if the high had finally run off and the team would come down to earth. But with a big game against the Hornets a night after getting crushed by the Clippers, the Celtics responded in a big way, winning 116-104. Here’s what we liked and didn’t like.
UP
1. AB was cookin’
In the words of Isaiah Thomas “AB gave them a 30 piece with a biscuit.” Bradley played out of his mind tonight including a crazy 3rd quarter where he notched 15 points. He played aggressive on both ends and even came down with 8 rebounds. This season Bradley has proven that he can be an effective scorer, and last night he gave us exactly what we needed.
2. Defending Al Jefferson
As the Hornets best offensive threat, the Celtics did a great job of limiting Jefferson. Instead of just leaving Zeller alone down low to be destroyed, the Celtics sent an array of double teams at Jefferson to throw him off, and knew exactly where to rotate when he dumped it off somewhere. Jefferson finished with an average 12 points and 5 rebounds.
3. Marcus Smart getting out of his slump
The rookie had been struggling miserably on the offensive end since coming back from his suspension, but he got his groove back Monday night. Smart made it a mission to attack from inside the arc, and it made for an efficient night. He finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and this gem:
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4. Starters showed up tonight
With the rumblings of Brad Stevens considering making a change to the starters everyday, it seemed like that time was coming soon. However, the Celtics starters got the message tonight, and delivered. They outscored Charlotte’s starters 84-72.
Down
1. Containing Kemba
He was the Hornets only offense, and made things interesting near the end with some big buckets. He finished with 28 points and 12 assists.
2. 4th quarter
Celtics played excellent defense for 3 quarters and then gave a whopping 35 points in the final frame. Down the stretch they had too many one-on-one possessions, and had some crucial turnovers. In this league most teams usually make a run late when they’re down big, and the other team is coasting, but the Hornets were a bit too close for comfort down the stretch.
3. No Gigi!
No Gigi Datome just sucks.
4. Isaiah not getting to line
Thomas didn’t get his first free throw attempts until the end of the 4th when teams were intentionally fouling. There’s still a bit of hesitation to drive to the hole, but he did lead the team in assists (7), and still made a lot of good things happen just by penetrating to the basket.
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