This a game that we expected the Celtics to win convincingly, and they did just that. With the playoff race heating up more each day, the Celtics got a layup with the Sixers on their schedule and won easily, 108-89. Here’s what we liked and didn’t like.
UP
1. Maintaining the lead
We’ve seen it time and time again. Whether it’s against the Orlando Magic or the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics are bad at holding leads.. Last night they ran their way up to a 20-point first quarter lead and never let it get closer than 16. It’s hard to maintain a big lead from the first quarter on, but the Celtics did a great job of it.
2. Tyler Zeller
Times have changed since October. Tyler Zeller had a career high 26 points, along with 5 boards and an efficient 11/15 from the field. Best part about this game was Zeller’s ability to consistently knock down the midrange jumper. If this is something that continues, bigs will have to come out of the paint to defend him and that will create more space for our slashers.
3. Team rebounding
I’m going to keep bringing this up because it’s essential for this team to have success, and I’m sure this will be a stat that, at times, will be a reason we win or lose games. The Celtics outrebounded the Sixers 42-40 last night, with 7 players grabbing 3 rebounds or more, and 11 of the 12 guys who played grabbing at least 1.
4. Marcus Smart’s shot selection
He didn’t have a great shooting night (4/10), but Smart did a great job picking his spots. He shot an efficient 2/3 from beyond the arc, and did a great job looking for his shot off the pick and roll or taking it to the rim where he was able to finish multiple times. I’m sure the shots will eventually start to fall for Smart, but it’s a great sign to see him getting back to taking quality shots.
DOWN
1. Kelly Olynyk slump
Olynyk is shooting, but nothing seems to fall (1 point, 0-6 FG). Since his return from injury (March 4th), KO is averaging 6.4 ppg and shooting 31%. If he’s on your fantasy basketball roster, you might want to move him to the bench. For the most part, his shots last night were good looks so it’s just a matter of making them.
2. Phil Pressey
Kind of had a back-to-earth type of game, most likely due to the fact that he was being defended by guys who are just as small and quick. Pressey shot 1/7 from the field and tossed a team high 3 turnovers. He did have some moments of great defense (3 steals), but for the most part he struggled and was a team worst -7.
3. James Young could be going back to Maine
After Thorton was dealt the lane was open for James Young to assert himself and become a part of the rotation. Unfortunately, he’s looked two steps too slow on defense, and slipped into a shooting slump at the worst time. With the emergence of Luigi Datome, it wouldn’t surprise me if his next stop is Maine for the remainder of the season.
4. Conference Record
The good news: the Celtics are now tied with the Pacers and Heat for the seventh seed in the East. The bad news: because Boston has the worst conference record (18-21) they’ll actually be in 9th place as of now. But with all 3 teams in store for some tough games on the schedule, there’s going to be a lot more movement from here till Friday.
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