After every game, we’ll take stock of how each individual performance affects the player’s overall value.
Starters
 |
Offense:
|
He was 4-4 from 16-23 feet, and despite down-shifting into 3rd gear after starting the game going all out in 5th gear, he still came up with the big play when needed.
 |
Offense:
|
No, he couldn’t hit a shot… except when it mattered late. Also, four of his rebounds were on the offensive end.
 |
Offense:
|
One of the things I love about Pierce… he had an OK game. It wasn’t anything you’ll remember. And he still dropped 19 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, a block and a steal. He struggled with his shot, settled for jumpers, but still did other things that make you look at the box score and realize he can have an impact sometimes seemingly without trying.
 |
Offense:
|
I just wish he wouldn’t hesitate when he got the ball. He’s such a big guy and he’s not clumsy. Maybe that’s wishful thinking.
Still, he was automatic with the jumper early and he defended the rim. Nice job defensively.
 |
Offense:
|
Could. Not. Miss. The Celtics will be very tough to beat if he’s got this kind of jumper working on a regular basis. Not that I expect him to shoot 57% from 3… but if he’s a threat to, then suddenly you can add “creates space” to his resume… right below “makes the guy he’s guarding cry during time outs.”
Bench
 |
Offense:
|
Slowly, Jeff Green is putting together a nice stretch of games off the bench.
 |
Offense:
|
I’m starting to think the lack of a true back up point guard is hurting Jason Terry the most. The 2nd unit can get stops and run for overall offense, but JET needs to get set up more. It’s something to watch.
 |
Offense:
|
Lee is really starting to get comfortable in this new role. And he’s come up with one of my favorite quotes of the year:
“If you want to get an easy layup, you can get out there and play defense and get a steal,” Lee said. “Pressure the ball, force them to shoot a long shot, get a long rebound, get on the rim.”
That’s just beautiful. It all starts with defense. It’s a lesson to the kids out there who want to shoot their way to 30 points….
…. get a couple of steals, deflections, and rebounds, and if you finish 4 or 5 fast breaks, you’ve got 10 easy points and your team has a lead. Then you don’t have to work as hard on offense.
 |
Offense:
|
The kid was plagued with foul problems, but he still hit all his shots and got 5 rebounds. Plus, he continues to take charges. He’s moving his feet well out there.
 |
Offense:
|
You know, in limited minutes here and there, Collins isn’t horrible.
 |
Offense:
|
This underhand scoop shot he hit is one of the craziest baskets I’ve seen.
[youtube id=”el4UlO9G0EA” width=”620″ height=”360″]
Coaching
 |
Substitutions:
|
I know some of you will say Sullinger should start, and I admittedly was buying into that right before Bradley returned. But even though Bass is struggling a bit, I still like Sullinger in his current role. He’s still playing more than Bass, and I’m enjoying the way the minutes are being dispersed.
Overall
Six in a row. Say what you want about the overall effort and lapses in hustle…. six in a row.
Meanwhile, other than Brooklyn, the rest of the East is kind of scuffling right now. All of a sudden, the standings don’t look so bad.
There’s plenty of time.
Hope the plastic people can get it together to enjoy the rest of the season
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
