Recap: Celtics finally show grit and balls in comeback win over Memphis

In a nutshell

Finally, some grit and balls from this team! Down 19 with 8 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Celtics were on the verge of yet another migraine-inducing loss. But instead of folding, this frustrating bunch of under-achievers methodically scratched and clawed their way back to an improbable 112-103 victory in Memphis.

This victory was a team effort. Kyrie Irving (26 points, 13 assists) did his thing. Marcus Smart (4 steals) did his thing. Marcus Morris (22 points, 7-13 FG) got buckets. Al Horford found his 3-point shot (5-7 3 FG). Gordon Hayward (14 points, 4 assists) looked like a viable NBA player. Hell, even Yabusele (4 rebounds, 2 blocks) played quality minutes.

Phew.

What went right

Kyrie F-ing Irving went right. He made big shots when he had to. He made smart passes when he had to. The game’s best closer delivered (10 points, 5 assists in the 4th).

Boston held Memphis to 29 points over the final 20 minutes. They tightened the screws on defense. The rotations were a bit faster. Yabusele (arguably his best game as a Celtic) shored up the post defense. To be fair, Memphis also started missing shots.

What went wrong

The Grizzlies BLUDGEONED the Celtics in the 1st half. They dominated the paint. They put up 64 points in the 1st half with just 4 3s. They shot 65%. It was ridiculous.

Oopsie…

I hesitate to overreact but THE CELTS NEED TO MAKE AN F’N TRADE

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 30, 2018

Highlights

This is Marcus Smart pic.twitter.com/GIsYyrJphn

— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) December 30, 2018

AL MAKING A BIG THREE FOR THE C'S 💪 (@AAANe_MAnews) #AAANortheast

One min left in the game. Stream here: https://t.co/Oo2lcqKw3g pic.twitter.com/5BI6Qn190X

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 30, 2018

I love this Yabusele block so much I went back and recorded it off my TV. pic.twitter.com/rNI7YbBJjk

— Chuck M. (@McK_Chuck) December 30, 2018

JB at the 🚨! https://t.co/vhHrZbBeCZ

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 30, 2018

#ThrowDunk by Jayson Tatum was wiiiiiiild😱 pic.twitter.com/B7NVcDihOc

— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) December 30, 2018

Box score