Strange is an understatement when attempting to describe the game between the Celtics and Pistons tonight. The Celtics lead by 20 at one point in the third, by the time I poured a glass of milk the lead was down to ten, and a one possession shortly thereafter. Looking at the rebounding numbers, one would think the Celtics were destroyed; giving up over 20 more offensive rebounds to the Pistons, and getting out-rebounded by double digits as a whole. With the Pistons attempting to claw back into this late, a big three from Jeff Green was a dagger. Green came up huge in the fourth with a nice tip-in as well just prior to the clutch three, certainly a great boost of confidence for Green who has been the Celtics closer of late. It’s not often you blow a 20 point lead, get outscored in the paint by 30, out rebounded so greatly, and still win. Just says how bad Detroit is….
The Green:
Jeff Green– Monster game from Green. No other way to put it. Clutch buckets, showed up on D late in the game. If your going to knock anything it would be his 6 rebounds, but its already well established he isn’t going to grab rebounds for the Celtics.
Avery Bradley– Bradley has broken the shooting slump finally, seems to be settling back into his role of being a complimentary scorer as opposed to trying to push the subject as he appeared to do at times recently. What stood out most tonight was his defense. He seemed to be one step ahead of the Pistons most of the night, he just flat out controlled Brandon Knight all night (2-10 FG) .
The Gross:
Celtics rebounding– The Celtics were completely out rebounded in this one. Much of this has to do with Pistons big man Greg Monroe who is an absolute beast in the paint (I’d put him in the top three centers in the league) but giving up over 20 offensive rebounds? That is just awful. No excuse for that, regardless how small of a lineup your team was running.
Courtney Lee– Still looks a bit off after returning from injury. Just doesn’t seem to have the spark right now. 0-4 shooting and seemingly losing position on the depth chart to TWill and Jordan. Marquis Daniels 2.0?
The Greenlights
Your nightly Terrence Williams dunk
http://youtu.be/CDsr5orcCKQ
Jeff Green Reverse Layup
http://youtu.be/N1XuzF-WDi4
The Grid
Jeff Green- 13-19 FG 6 Reb 4 Blk 34 Pts
Detroit Pistons- 25 offensive rebounds (Boston-4) 58 points in paint (Boston 28)
Celtics “Magic Number” to clinch playoff birth- 0
*UPDATE* After the game, Paul Pierce told WEEI that on Tuesday night at 8:21pm, he and wife Julie welcomed their first son, Prince Paul Pierce into the world!
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