After a very close victory over the previously undefeated Warriors then a sure win against the Hornets, the 14-10 Celtics now look better than ever.
Friday the 11th was marked on a lot of calendars for Boston fans as Golden State is visiting town. A 124-119 double OT loss against the Warriors proved to be benefiting the C’s. Defense and causing turnovers emerged as a critical factor in deciding the win. Although Steph Curry and Draymond Green combined for 62 points and 22 rebounds, the Celtics had a balanced squad with everyone participating. Kelly Olynyk proved huge late in the game (28 points in total), Sullinger rebounded (13 boards), and Thomas/Turner delivered on the layups and shooting. Jae Crowder was endlessly giving the Warriors a rough time on offense as he picked off Curry numerous times and was always involved on plays.
Saturday December 12th was the after effect of what could be called, the best game of the year. The not so easy transition from a double overtime game then traveling down to Charlotte, North Carolina to play another game seems a bit rough. It turned out to be efficient as the C’s squeezed by the Hornets 98-93. Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points and dished out 13 assists while Avery Bradley scored 23 and Jae Crowder dropped 16. The Hornets were led by Nicolas Batum, who scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Next games
vs Cleveland Cavs 12/15- With LeBron James and the rest of squad on a solid wining season thus far (15-7), the Cavs will be tough as nails. Iman Shumpert returning from injury for the Cavs, made his debut for 2015 against the Magic as he dropped 14 which led Cleveland to a 111-76 blowout. The Cavs are another balanced team with many options at the 3 or 4 and perimeter shooting. James Jones scored 15 against Orlando and has proved to be a reliable veteran who can shoot the outside shot.
@ Detroit 12/16- Another back to back game for the C’s as the travel to Detroit to take on the 14-11 Pistons. Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond highlight the key factors to the game with versatile shooing and driving to the hoop from Jackson and unlimited offensive and defensive rebounding and put backs from the monstrous Drummond. After a back to back game with Cleveland, it’ll be tough to call this one a win but the C’s have the bench to drive past Detroit and stretch 3’s and 4’s that can shoot the outside shot while Detroit has PF Ersan Illysolva to rely on clutch shooting from behind the arc as a big man.
vs Atlanta 12/18 – I personally have tickets to Friday’s game against Atlanta as this will be a down to the wire again. Last month, the C’s took out the Hawks in a 106- 93 win at home. Isaiah Thomas proved to be he key factor that game as he scored 23 to drive past Teague and company. This time around, the Hawks are dropping but hey always pick up the slack after some down times. Kyle Korver and Thabo Sefolosha are key shooters but their main guy is Paul Millsap. Millsap is averaging approximately 19 points a game to go along with 9 boards. If the C’s shut down Millsap, the interior opens up for whoever steps up for Atlanta. Should be interesting.
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