Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
(Photo: Greg M. Cooper, USA Today Sports Images)
All the talk lately has been about the Celtics’ heavily front-loaded schedule, in which they’ve played far more games (now 39) than any other team. After winning 22 of their first 26, the Cs have struggled to win half their games the past three weeks. Fatigue and injuries have been blamed.
But in the second half last night, while wiping out a 24-point halftime deficit, they didn’t look tired at all, did they?
KJ Kourafas already reported the facts in his entertaining game recap, so this morning let’s look back at the wild night through the eyes of Twitter. Here’s a selection of Tweets of the Night.
In the first half, everything went Houston’s way. This shot didn’t count, but the fact that it swished through summed up how hot the Rockets were.
this is the rock n jock 50 point basket in real life pic.twitter.com/ervyo8snad
— whitney medworth (@its_whitney) December 29, 2017
After halftime, things were a bit different. James Harden shot 3-17 in the third and fourth quarters, and…
The Rockets made just 9 shots in the second half.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) December 29, 2017
I look forward to the NBA’s report on the last two minutes of this chaos.
Boston outscored Houston 61-36 over the final two quarters
The Celtics limited the Rockets to just nine field goals, and a shooting percentage of 25.0% (9-36 FG) pic.twitter.com/LMfpjA3x0H
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) December 29, 2017
"Brad, what did you say to the guys at halftime?" – @GwashburnGlobe
"Go get 'em." – Stevens
🤷♂️
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) December 29, 2017
It was just over a year ago when Al Horford missed a game-winning layup in Houston against the #Rockets and now he can celebrate hitting the go-ahead field goal that erased a 26-point deficit and put the #Celtics ahead
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) December 29, 2017
This Celtics team is both completely unpredictable and regular as clockwork.
— OrangeJalapeno (@OrangeJalapeno) December 29, 2017
James Harden when defended by Marcus Smart tonight:
0-7 FG
4 turnovers(includes both Harden turnovers in the final 7 seconds)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 29, 2017
Marcus Smart draws two critical charges down the stretch to ice the game in tonight's @JetBlue Play of the Game! https://t.co/TS5jr5VYgQ
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/isaiahthomas/status/946586839237849088
Marcus Smart causing James Harden to completely melt down mentally in the final seconds. You can't teach that.
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 29, 2017
Smart was asked if he prides himself in being a pain in the ass. “My Mom would say so.”
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) December 29, 2017
A tale of 2 halves!
The @celtics dominate the 2nd half and overcome a 26-point deficit to pick up a last-second win in The Garden! pic.twitter.com/L5vQQscmKV
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 29, 2017
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!? 😂
KG reacts to the closing moments of the @celtics 26-point comeback win over the Rockets. #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/rCisFmmgX6
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) December 29, 2017
In those last 24 minutes, the Celtics were determined, motivated, and probably playing on adrenaline. They shook off all their recent difficulties and, just as they did during their 16-game winning streak, found a way to win. Perhaps they also rediscovered their mojo.
Now the Cs also finally get some rest. They have today and tomorrow off before hosting the Nets on Sunday, followed by two more off-days. One game in five days is the lightest part of their schedule so far. Boston should then be well-rested and hopefully healthy when the Cavs visit next Wednesday.
Game coverage:
Yahoo – James Harden meltdown vs. Marcus Smart completes stunning Celtics rally over Rockets
ESPN Boston – Celtics complete largest comeback of the season against Rockets | James Harden after Rockets’ collapse: ‘Can’t have two officials in a professional game’
NBC Sports Boston – Stars, studs, and duds: Celtics fight until final buzzer to take down Rockets | Celtics pull off incredible comeback win over Rockets, 99-98
MassLive – Al Horford hook shot, Marcus Smart drawn charges end wild Boston Celtics comeback to finish off Houston Rockets, 99-98 | James Harden frustrated after late charge calls, loss to Boston Celtics: Playing with two refs ‘can’t happen’ | Kyrie Irving on impact of Boston Celtics win over Houston Rockets: ‘We’re just trying to make it to London’ | Boston Celtics analysis: ‘Crazy’ Marcus Smart draws James Harden charges, Al Horford’s hook shot ends insane comeback
Herald – Bulpett: Marcus Smart proves a big pain to Houston MVP James Harden | Celtics complete comeback from 26 down to shock Rockets at Garden | Celtics notebook: Refs, down one, has effect on both teams
CBS Sports – Celtics’ huge comeback vs. Rockets was the most impressive NBA win this year | Celtics’ incredible comeback likely never happens without a little help from officials
Globe – Celtics complete epic comeback | A clinic in poise and perseverance
On Page 2: If Harden is headed for MVP, what does that make Smart?
As a reminder, last season Smart also lured Harden into committing a Flagrant 1 offensive foul during a Celtics comeback. The Rockets escaped that night with a one-point win as Al Horford missed a last-second layup. But shouldn’t Harden have known what to expect last night with Smart guarding him?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC01Ykogf0k]And then there was this: during the rematch in Boston a month after the above video, Harden got another Flagrant 1 for this shot to Jonas Jerebko’s face. Harden will probably win MVP this season, but he’s shown some awfully bad judgment against the Celtics.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUPIR36dkSM]And, finally…
Let’s not forget last night’s sensational National Anthem. After this, we should’ve known the game would be epic.
HOW DID HE NOT PASS OUT?! (I swear this is not on repeat.) pic.twitter.com/HkJuOMKE9r
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 29, 2017
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