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.
Jae Crowder posted his third consecutive double-double in the victory, scoring 19 points while pulling down 12 rebounds, while Kelly Olynyk led Boston with 20 points. […]
Starting in place of Amir Johnson, who was sidelined for the second straight game due to plantar fasciitis, Kelly Olynyk continued to produce at center — shooting 70 percent from the field en route to a team-high 20 points.
After failing to post double-digit scoring totals in any of his previous four contests, Olynyk has thrived over the last two games in enhanced minutes, averaging 19.5 points and 7 boards per game.
Aside from his economical stat line on Wednesday, Olynyk also provided the highlight of the evening in the third, throwing down a thunderous putback dunk off of a Jared Sullinger trey ball.
MassLive – Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder lead Boston Celtics in 102-89 victory over Charlotte Hornets
If you’re a Celtics fan who celebrates Christmas, your gift is two straight wins heading into the holiday weekend, thanks to the Santa Claus tandem of Crowder and Olynyk.
In his last three games, Crowder has averaged 20.3 points, 24-42 for 57.1% FG, 5-16 for 31.3% 3FG, 10.7 rebounds and +8.0 in just under 35 minutes per game. Olynyk, in two games as a starter, has averaged 19.5 points, 14-20 for 70.0% FG, 4-6 for 66.7% 3FG, 5.5 rebounds and +11 in 29.5 minutes.
Oddly enough, Crowder hasn’t registered a steal in those three games. That’s normally his strength, but the rest of his production has made that irrelevant.
Most noticeable about K.O. is his new-found aggressiveness, slamming home rebounds and even taking shots without the hesitation that normally makes us scream at our TVs. In fact, Tommy Heinsohn, calling upon his trademark exaggeration, noted during the game, “If he was a little bit more aggressive, he’d be an All-Pro!”
So have a cup of eggnog and enjoy the holiday spirit, knowing that the Cs have filled your Christmas stocking.
Related: CSNNE – Stars, studs and duds: Crowder becoming a two-way threat
On Page 2: Even Danny couldn’t believe it
Tweet of the night after Olynyk’s startling dunk:
What????#Canadiangoose https://t.co/WemFBeDK0f
— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) December 24, 2015
Related: CSNNE – Olynyk on put-back slam: ‘The bounce is real’ | ESPN Boston – Kelly Olynyk: ‘The bounce is real’
And, finally: P.S. about K.G.
Here’s a leftover from Monday’s K.G. festival, where the Minnesota announcers can’t understand why Kevin Garnett is fired up about an “American Bandstand” video. The Wolves have now lost 10 straight in Boston, so you’d think their crew would be familiar with Gino.
LOVE hearing the Timberwolves TV guys trying to make sense of the party that is KG and Gino Time #Celtics pic.twitter.com/GfACLFWLVn
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) December 23, 2015
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The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Strong defense carries Celtics to 102-89 win over Hornets
Globe – Jared Sullinger returns after one-game absence
Herald – Lively effort places road win under tree
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