After every game, we'll take stock of how each individual performance affects the player's overall value.
Starters
Rajon Rondo: Screw the green arrow, Rondo deserves a gold star for his performance. His 1st quarter was phenomenal: 10 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. The Heat knew they were in for a fight right from the start. He managed the game brilliantly; on the break and in half-court sets.
Paul Pierce: A team-high 23 points, including a couple of momentum building 3s. Putrid stretch in 2nd quarter where took a pass off the chest, had shot blocked, threw the ball away and traveled. Contributed on the boards (7) and defensively (2 steals, only 23 for Lebron).
Kevin Garnett: I don't care that he struggled offensively (5-12 FG). Check Chris Bosh's stat line: 4 points, 2-11 FG.
Avery Bradley: The Heat went after him and he responded with tough, hard-nosed defense. A big factor in Dwyane Wade missing 11 of 17 shots. His blocked shot may have been the highlight of the season. The Celtics are now 5-0 with Bradley as a starter.
Brandon Bass: Efficient and effective – 16 points, 10 rebounds. Never forced his shot and worked his ass off on the boards.
Bench
Keyon Dooling: John wants to throw a coming out party for Keyon, but I'm not biting yet. He's elevated his play from 'atrocious' to 'decent.'
Greg Stiemsma: Solid job in 24 minutes: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 6 fouls and 2 charges. I'd love to see more rebounds and blocks, but his energy level on defense was noticeable.
Sasha Pavlovic: Had him set for the red arrow, until I noticed the 5 rebounds.
JaJuan Johnson, Marquis Daniels, E'Twaun Moore, Ryan Hollins
Coaching
Doc Rivers: Name a coach who has faced more roster turmoil? You can't. I'm not sure how he's doing it, but Doc Rivers has the Celtics moving in the right direction.
Overall
Won 5 straight and 15 of 20. They're a game up on Philly in the Atlantic and 1.5 behind Orlando for the 3rd seed.
Yesterday's demolition of the Heat put the league on notice. Don't sleep on Boston. The Celtics do have enough to make some noise in the playoffs. My definition of 'noise' is TBD.
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