Minus a sluggish 5-minute stretch to start the game, the Celtics dominated the 76ers 105-87 tonight. The 18 point win is the largest margin of victory this season.
Kelly Olynyk (30 points, 12-17 FG, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks) had a career night. He nearly burst into flames in the 1st quarter (14 points, 5-7 FG). This offensive performance is the reason why Danny Ainge drafted this kid. The Philly big men basically refused to cover him on the perimeter. It was as if they hadn’t seen his scouting report.
Whenever you get down about the Celtics rebuild, just thank god they aren’t the 76ers.
The Green:
Olynyk, Kelly (see above)
Brandon Bass and Jeff Green combined for 28 points on 10-17 FG. Nothing spectacular, just efficient and effective basketball.
Max and Mike told a couple of good stories. Max reminded us that Pete Maravich and Larry Bird were teammates in Pistol Pete’s final year in the league (1979-80). During one game. Pete insisted he was open and complained that Larry wasn’t passing him the ball. Bird’s retort, “If they’re double-teaming me, you must not be any good.” Classic Bird. And Mike told us about Bill Green, the Celtics 1st round pick in 1963 who never played professionally due to a fear of flying. Amazing what you can learn during blowouts.
Gross:
Jared Sullinger (5 points, 2-10 FG, 11 rebounds) continues to struggle. The low point of his night came here:
Avery Bradley (15 points, 6-20 FG, 1-11 3 FG) should have stayed in bed.
Greenlights:
KO with the fake and scoop
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Rondo finds KO cutting to the hoop
Rajon gettin’ fancy with the dribble and dish
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The Grid:
- Boston had 26 fast break points, Philadelphia had 1
- Celtics shot 65% FT (23-35)
- Marcus Thornton is going to be out a few weeks with a calf injury
And… future Red Sox ace Cole Hamels was sitting courtside
‘Sup Cole. pic.twitter.com/CfZgAr8cJK — KWAPT (@KWAPT) December 16, 2014
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