Recap: No problemo

Behind the usual suspects, the Celtics raced out to a 32-17 lead over the Kings after 1Q tonight in Mexico City. They got 8 points from AB, 9 from Isaiah and in a great stretch off the bench, 7 from Kelly Olynyk. KO notched those 7 points in just over two minutes near the end of the quarter, Sacramento looked lazy and disinterested in the early stages-perhaps they were having trouble dealing with Mexico City’s high elevation? More so just sloppy defense and poor shot selection.

Boston really opened things up in quarter number two with good play on both ends. With 9:06 left in the first half, an Isaiah Thomas (10 second quarter points) trey put the Celtics up by twenty. It was 39-19 Boston. And this game would never get much closer. The Celtics went into the locker room at halftime with a comfy 51-36 lead. What this Kings team has in young talent is unfortunately outweighed by some selfish play, a lack of discipline and just an overall need for leadership. They look pretty decent on paper, but have a ways to go out on the floor.

The troubles continued for Sactown in the third. With 6:30 left in the quarter, & the Kings trailing 71-49, Rajon Rondo was assessed two techs and ejected by old friend Bill Kennedy. Not quite sure what the conversation was between the two, but Rondo had to be physically dragged away by teammates & Kings’ staff. Celtics fans are familiar with Kennedy and his alleged hatred for former coach Doc Rivers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4LNlWpFjC8

Boston cruises to a 114-97 victory tonight in Mexico City. Demarcus Cousins was held to a quiet 16 points on 4 of 17 shooting. The Celtics forced 19 turnovers and had the clamps on Sacramento’s offense for the majority of the game. Boston now heads to Texas for a match up with the Spurs on Saturday. Tip-off is at 8:30pm EST.

The Green:

• Kelly Olynyk was outstanding off the bench tonight. Klynyk finished with 21 points, 4 assists & 4 rebounds in 24 minutes. He shot 3 of 5 from downtown
• The starting backcourt of Isaiah Thomas & Avery Bradley combined for 41 points on 15 of 29 shooting. It’s early, but AB is making some serious waves for a MIP nod.
• Jae Crowder was all over the floor tonight. His hustle and aggression were contagious and needed as Marcus Smart continues to recover from his injury. Crowder’s stat line is quite impressive: 20 points, 6 of 6 from the FT line, 3 rebounds, 6 assists & 2 steals in 30 minutes.

The Gross:

• RJ Hunter was 0 for 4 from three with 3 fouls in 8 minutes

The Greenlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_abLV5sS2yg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeDuh1FjIjE

The Grid: (quick stats)

• Boston shot 20 of 24 from the line
• Four Celtics scored 20+ pts (AB, Isaiah, Crowder & KO)

Box score