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.
Take a quick look at any defensive efficiency rankings and you’ll see Boston sitting in third place behind just San Antonio and Miami. That the latter two are near the top of the NBA isn’t very surprising. Tim Duncan is still going strong for the Spurs while the Heat’s Hassan Whiteside is sending back opponent’s shot attempts at a league-leading rate. Puruse the Celtics roster and you won’t find a defensive anchor anywhere on their roster. In fact, one of their biggest offseason acquisitions — David Lee — has one of the worst defensive reputations in the league.
So how is Stevens doing this?
By marrying his personnel to a smart, well-executed approach — something a lot easier said than done at any level of basketball.
RealGM – How Brad Stevens Brought Defense to Boston in Year 3
Every Celtics fan on Twitter who follows KWAPT of Red’s Army will recognize this:
STOPZ.
— KWAPT (@KWAPT) December 9, 2014
It’s his signature, fourth-quarter call for the Celtics to play defense. Sometimes he includes the picture above of Avery Bradley rejecting a hapless Heat. And, sure enough, stopz are coming often this year. The Cs are playing great defense, not just in the fourth, but all game long. The steals, the forced live-ball turnovers, the impressive defensive rating are all crucial factors in Boston now challenging for the top spot in the East.
Check out the RealGM piece for analysis of how the Celts have been getting it done. It includes some insightful video examples of their defensive techniques.
On Page 2: Not intimidated
Isaiah Thomas is the little man who can score among the big trees. This fun video illustrates how he gets it done.
ESPN – Sport Science: Isaiah Thomas’ floater
On Page 3: Beautiful basketball, then and now
…these Warriors encourage selflessness and inspire pure enjoyment, something that is too often in short supply in professional sports nowadays. They were crowned champions in June, and rather than chilling on their throne and getting plump on the spoils, they came back better, in part because superstar Stephen Curry has become truly transcendent. He has become Allen Iverson if Allen Iverson also possessed a jump shot Ray Allen might envy. […]
Sure, it would be incredible to witness the Warriors achieving all of those milestones and records that belong to another franchise for the time being. But for one night, I’m not rooting for them. Friday night, I’m pulling for the home team to knock them off. And I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that the Celtics put that 1 in the Warriors’ loss column.
Boston.com – Celtics will have a golden opportunity against unbeaten Warriors
This non-hot take is really an ode to beautiful basketball. Despite some Twitter overreaction, the article should be appreciated by Celtics fans – especially for the embedded video about the elite passing abilities of the 1985-86 Celtics and the gallery of “33 awesome Larry Bird photos you won’t remember.”
And, finally: Mellow Al
Al Jefferson suspended 5 games for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Program. Celtics play Charlotte on Saturday.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) December 9, 2015
First offense for marijuana is counseling. Second offense is a $25K fine and more counseling. Third is a five-game suspension.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 9, 2015
NBA.com – Hornets’ Jefferson suspended for violating drug program
Welp! Surprising news about Big Al. Jefferson is currently sidelined with a strained left calf and was going to miss the Boston game anyway. His suspension will begin after he’s healthy, so it could actually affect the Cs’ next visit to Charlotte, weirdly scheduled for less than two weeks later (December 23).
Jefferson now joins his fellow former Celtic, Robert Parish, in the annals of the team’s weed history. “Inhale to the Chief” was the best.
The Rest of the Links:
ESPN Boston – Celtics bask in national spotlight, brace for Warriors
Boston.com – Celtics player power rankings: Bradley, Thomas making All-Star cases
Herald – Bulpett: Celtics ready to bring on the undefeated Warriors | Celtics get assist from crowd in win over Bulls | Celtics notebook: Jared Sullinger kicks butt again on boards | Anniversary of Danny Ainge’s first NBA game brings back painful memory
CSNNE – Big fourth quarter fuels Celtics 105-100 win over Bulls | Thomas bounces back from scoreless 1st half to lead C’s | Stars, studs and duds: C’s execute in 4th quarter
MassLive – Isaiah Thomas leads eight players in double figures as Boston Celtics overcome Chicago Bulls, 105-100 | Evan Turner throws down ‘dope’ 360 dunk, cites ‘Turner Vinsanity’ | Jared Sullinger: Boston Celtics can’t look at Golden State Warriors game as ‘Super Bowl’ | Boston Celtics analysis: David Lee keys big run, Isaiah Thomas overcomes lightheadedness during ‘good win’
Globe – Ex-Warrior David Lee has been following win streak | Celtics get physical in win over Bulls
Providence Journal – Celtics Journal: Mickey’s making progress in Maine
NESN – Celtics Notes: Isaiah Thomas Shakes First-Half Daze, Helps C’s Finish Strong
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