What happened to our crisp passing, balanced scoring, defensive minded Celtics? Those guys failed to show up for the second consecutive game. Tonight’s result – a 121-97 loss to the Hawks in Atlanta.
The Hawks smothered Isaiah Thomas (3-11 FG, 5 TOs) and the Celtics could never hit a rhythm offensively. If it wasn’t for Avery Bradley’s 19 point first half, I would have fallen asleep at my laptop. On defense, the Celtics had way too many lapses. Kyle Korver (15 points, 3-3 3FG) was getting open looks. The interior defense was no better as Paul Milsap (25 points) and the Hawks feasted in the paint.
IT has been very good this season but when he presses, things get ugly. Marcus Smart’s absence is obviously hurting the defense, but the lack of another ball handler on offense isn’t helping Thomas.
The Green
RJ Hunter (12 points, 5-6 FG) and David Lee (10 points, 5-9 FG) were the only Celtics to compliment Bradley on the offensive end.
The Gross
Is something wrong with Amir Johnson? He’s totaled 6 points and 7 rebounds in the last two games. In fact, his production has dropped considerably since a 17 point, 8 rebound performance vs Atlanta on 11/13.
Somebody get Jae Crowder (3-11 FG, -20) a case of Red Bull. A steal machine for most of the season, he’s amassed 0 in the last two games.
Jonas Jerebko looks like a lost soul on the court.
Greenlights
David Lee with the pretty bounce pass to a cutting Jae Crowder
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Lee with the spin move to the bucket
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RJ Hunter for 3
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The Grid
- Atlanta’s 121 points and 56% FG are season highs for Boston’s defense
- The Celtics shot an abysmal 41.5%. Are we blaming the sleeves?
- Despite Thomas’ struggles, Terry Rozier logged just 3 minutes
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