Recap: Celtics lack of defense, rebounding remains a bit of a problem

it-vs-wall

I guess that tough film session after the Denver debacle was a waste of time. The Celtics got whooped by the Wizards tonight, 118-93, in a game which featured the same alarming themes: no defense and no rebounding.

The Celtics came out sleepwalking. They trailed 15-2, 25-4 and 34-8. They shot 18%. This was their worst 1st quarter performance in 40+ years.

The rebounding was atrocious. The Wizards out-rebounded the Cs, 54-31. Their 19 offensive rebounds resulted in a ton of 2nd chance points (it would be nice to see this stat in box scores). You can’t sustain runs when you are constantly allowing multiple shots during possessions.

This team will be better once Al Horford and Jae Crowder return, but they’re still better than this. I think.

Green

Marcus Smart scored 18 of his 20 points in the 3rd quarter.

Kelly Olynyk (2 points, 1-6 FG, 6 reb) played. That is all.

According to Abby Chin, Horford increased his workload on Tuesday and might practice tomorrow.

Gross

Otto Porter had 34 points (14-19 FG), 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks. OTTO PORTER!! Safe to say  Crowder’s defense was missed.

Jaylen Brown (3 points in 13 minutes) is struggling. He started tonight but was yanked 5 minutes into the game after a series of turnovers and fouls.

Greenlights

Props to Marcus Smart for not knocking-out John Wall after this cheap shot (flagrant 2/ejection)

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The Grid

  • Last 3 first quarters Celtics have been outscored 112-56 (via Kyle Draper)
  • Boston’s bench had 6 points on 3-19 FG in the first half

Box score

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