Unless you’re a fan of either team, you probably didn’t enjoy this game. Even if you are a fan, you still may have hated it. But the Celtics came back after an embarrassing loss and snuck away with an 85-84 win over the Jazz thanks to a Tyler Zeller game winner. Let’s get into what we liked and didn’t like.
UP
1. Taking care of the basketball
Despite going up against one of the hottest defenses of late, the Celtics turned the ball over 3 times while forcing 13 from the Jazz. One of the most effective ways to play offense is to not give the ball to the other team. The Celtics did a great job of that.
2. Jae Crowder bringing the intensity
With scoring at a premium in the 1st half, Crowder came in and immediately gave the C’s a jolt with a couple of big baskets and some great defensive versatility. After 11 first half points, Stevens started Crowder in the 2nd half in an effort to stretch the Jazz’ defense out. Crowder did an excellent job holding his own against Derrick Favors. However, he did have some red flags that we’ll get to a little later.
3. Isaiah Thomas getting his groove back
After a tough couple games against the league’s elite, Thomas had a much better game against the Jazz. Thomas was able to get into the lane, and draw some fouls which is when he’s at his best. Also when Stevens moved Thomas off-ball he seemed to really hold his own defensively. Thomas finished with 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists while going 7/8 from the line.
4. Marcus Smart’s intangibles
If you glance at the box score you would think Smart had a horrible game. He finished 3/14 from the field including a horrendous 0/6 from 3. But he played a team high 39 minutes and was a monster on the defensive end – guarding 3 different positions, and completely taking Trey Burke out of the game when Thomas was having trouble containing him. Despite the poor shooting, Smart did a great job running the offense (4 assists). It’s clear that Stevens is starting to trust Smart more with decision-making, highlighted by giving Smart the inbound duties during the final play of the game which led to Zeller’s game winner.
DOWN
1. Defending Trey Burke
With Isaiah Thomas on Trey Burke, the Jazz set multiple screens and Burke just ran around them keeping his dribble alive long enough to get his own shot, or get the Celtics defense out of position so he could dump it off to one of the bigs. Stevens had to put Marcus Smart on Burke almost exclusively to slow him down.
2. This game was ugly
It was 34-33 at HALFTIME. None of these teams could buy a bucket for most of the night, and both teams failed to score 30 points in a quarter the whole night. Teams combined for 11/46 from three (24%), and 67/163 from the field overall (41%). Let’s just say this wasn’t a shootout.
3. Evan Turner struggling
Since the All-Star break Evan Turner is shooting 31.3% from the field, including 10% from beyond the arc, and he’s throwing 2.25 turnovers a game. Though he is also averaging 7 assists in that span and playing stellar defense, he’s become pretty invisible while on the court. With Marcus Smart starting to get a better grasp of the point guard position, and with the acquisition of Isaiah Thomas his ball-handling responsibilities will start to diminish which may not be good for him since he seems to only be effective with the ball in his hands. Though Stevens likes to take awhile before making lineup changes, he might re-consider putting Crowder back into the starting lineup because of his strong offensive output and defensive versatility. Could be something to watch with the season getting tighter.
4. Jae Crowder’s shot selection down the stretch
Though Jae Crowder kept our offense afloat for awhile during the game, his shot selection down the stretch was pretty awful. It was part of the reason the Jazz were able to sneak back in and almost steal the game at the end. Taking a guy off the dribble and settling for long jumpers is not something that Stevens wants Crowder doing down the stretch, and I’m sure they’ll be more of an effort to get him better looks. To be fair though, Crowder is only 24 years old and even though his shots were questionable down the stretch, I still like the confidence he has in himself.
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