Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
To that point, the five possessions that Melo finished with Green guarding him in the fourth quarter played out like this: turnover, missed 12-foot jumper, missed 3-pointer, missed 10-foot jumper, blocked layup attempt.
No need to grab your calculators. That’s zero points allowed on five defended possessions over the final 8 minutes, 19 seconds as the Celtics rallied from an 11-point deficit for their second victory over New York in six days. In the fourth quarter, Anthony finished 1-of-8 shooting for three points and was minus-11 in plus/minus for the frame.
“That was the only way I could be in the game at that point. Offensively, I played like poop,” admitted Green, his family-friendly choice of words leaving Sullinger cackling in delight nearby. “I had to find a way to allow Coach [Brad Stevens] to put me on the floor, and, defensively in the second half, that was the only way I could be on the floor, so I had to step it up on that end.”
Poop? C’mon Jeff, this is a big boy’s league. At the very least upgrade to crap when referencing fecal matter to describe your play.
Jokes aside, Green was a menace and everyone saw it.
Melo’s perspective on his offensive struggles:
“We got to get better in those situations, especially coming down the stretch. We all have to be better. We all have to step up to those challenges and be ready. It’s not every night I’m going to bail us out. We should know that.”
Translation: The poor guy can’t do everything. (Hehe)
Related links: CSNNE – Greens D on Anthony paves way | Globe – Green delivers on defensive end
On Page 2, Vitor Faverani doesn’t care about Melo or Amar’e.
Vitor Faverani is learning quickly he’s a rookie. There will be moments like last night’s first quarter, when he heads to the bench with two quick fouls in his first three minutes.
“They called two fouls. It’s the ref’s job,” said the 26-year-old Brazilian. “They call the fouls and I go to the bench. Nothing more. I’m a rookie. They call fouls. No problem.”
On some nights Faverani would return from that black hole. But coach Brad Stevens had faith in his backup center down the stretch of the Celtics’ 90-86 win over the Knicks.
After the reserves started a 20-5 fourth-quarter run, Faverani was the only reserve who stayed on the floor once Stevens made his final substitutions. Faverani rewarded the decision with two big shots — a 3-pointer and layup after connecting with Jordan Crawford on a pick-and-roll. He also forced a pair of Carmelo Anthony misses after switches left him guarding the Knicks star.
Asked about Anthony, Faverani spoke for his teammates.
“Yeah, they have Carmelo Anthony, and (Amar’e) Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin, and we have Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, so we can play the same,” said Faverani. “We don’t care about Carmelo or Stoudemire. We have very good players here.”
Love me some Vitor. I was afraid he was falling into a black hole. He played 7 minutes or less in four of the last five games.
Apologies for the abbreviated dump, but I gotta run to my kid’s basketball practice. If you value your Saturday mornings, don’t have kids.
Related: ESPN Boston – C’s lean on Faverani in 4th
The rest of the links:
CSNNE – Lee hits stride behind arc | Olynyk looks good early, fades late | 2nd unit lifts Celtics | Globe – Late Celtic run sinks Knicks | Herald – Bench warrants kudos | In the Knick of time
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