Your Morning Dump… Where the Celtics have found a go-to guy

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.

Crowder calmly drained the 3-point shot that pushed Boston out front and ultimately lifted the team to a 100-95 triumph and the Celtics’ 11th straight home win. With the make, Crowder has now produced five game-tying or go-ahead field goals with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter or overtime this season. That’s just one less make than a trio of players tied atop the league in Kevin Durant, Gordon Hayward, and Monta Ellis. What’s more, his five makes are equal to that produced by MVP-caliber players like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

But here’s maybe the more noteworthy part: Crowder is 5-of-6 shooting overall in that late-game scenario, a ridiculous 83.3 percent. The league average on those sort of shots is a measly 32.5 percent, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Of the trio with six late-game makes, Hayward owns the best overall percentage of the bunch at 54.5 percent, a number he dropped to on Monday night when Avery Bradley’s block ensured Crowder’s triple stood up.

ESPN Boston – Call him Clutch Crowder: The Celtics’ new late-game weapon

Remember last season when we were all surprised by how good the Rondo trade throw-in turned out to be? Remember we thought he might be a reliable contributor if he can improve his three-point shooting? Did any of us expect he would morph into a genuine weapon from deep? And a game-winning shot-maker, at that?

That is, in fact, what’s happened with Jae Crowder. In addition to his toughness and hard-nosed defense, Crowder has suddenly become one of the NBA’s most reliable shooters in clutch situations.

In 57 games with Boston last season, Crowder shot just .282 from the arc on 3.0 attempts per game. This year – his fourth in the league – he’s up to .357 on 4.8 attempts. He’s also increased his scoring average by 5.0 points per game. Crowder may well be Exhibit A among Celtics whose production seems to exceed their talent.

I haven’t heard any conversations about Crowder being in the mix for Most Improved Player, but based on plays like this against Utah, he ought to be.

Jae Crowder was the @HRBlock Clutch Player of the Game in last night’s win over the Utah Jazz. This is why.https://t.co/BxQCkom7a9

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 1, 2016

And one more thing:

Among players with at least 10 ppg, Jae Crowder is 20th in true shooting percentage. Nobody expected that, I promise.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 1, 2016

Especially @realmarkcuban. https://t.co/ZbjR2Ki7gL

— AusCelticFan (@AusCelticFan) March 1, 2016

On Page 2: Awaiting tonight’s battle of wits
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Stevens, a wizard of the dry erase board when it comes to drawing up after time-out plays, has earned praise from coaches around the NBA since taking over the Celtics in 2013. A rebuilding Boston team went just 25-57 in his first season on the bench, but the C’s have gone 76-67 over the last two seasons under Stevens. The Celtics used a second-half surge last season to claim the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed before getting swept by the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

CBS Boston – Brad Stevens Named Eastern Conference Coach Of The Month

How about those voting results yesterday? No, not the political business, the NBA Coach of the Month results for February.

Not only did Boston Brad win for the East, but Portland’s Terry Stotts won for the West – and, in the type of coincidence that makes sports compelling, they will face off tonight at the Garden.

The Celtics and Blazers share intriguing similarities this year, especially as overachievers. Boston was expected to be improved, but few among us figured them to have the third-best record (36-25) in the conference. Meanwhile, Portland was predicted to be in the lottery, due to the free agency loss of LaMarcus Aldridge and other key contributors. Instead, they’re now 33-28 and fighting for sixth place in the West.

Both teams are led by dynamic backcourt players, the Celtics’ All-Star Isaiah Thomas and the Blazers should’ve-been-an-All-Star Damian Lillard.

The Celts have been on fire lately, and the Blazers have been, umm, blazin’ even hotter. Including their win last night over the Knicks, Portland has won eight of nine, and Lillard has scored 30 or more points eight times in that stretch.

Both Stevens and Stotts are succeeding by coaxing maximum effort and sharp execution from their guys. The choice for Coach of the Year might actually come down to both of them, assuming voters don’t think it should go to Steve Kerr (he hasn’t coached the full season and he has the reigning MVP to lead his team, but if they go 73-9 the COY vote will get very interesting).

For a detailed scouting report of Portland, read the ESPN article linked below. And get ready for what could be another thriller in the Garden tonight.

And, finally: The exception to the rule

Last night was the only time it has ever been acceptable for L.A. to win a game.

The @Lakers defeat the @BrooklynNets 107-101 behind Russell’s 39 points (8/12 from 3). Lopez 23 & 7 for BKN. pic.twitter.com/AzPPbrwk3W — NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2016

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The Rest of the Links:

Globe – Dividends for Turner have been immeasurable

Boston.com – Celtics draft pick watch: Checking in on that Nets pick

MassLive – Evan Turner and Marcus Smart throw fake punches, Amir Johnson takes batting practice as Boston Celtics continue having fun

Providence Journal – Effort plays help Celtics overcome height disadvantage at crucial moments

CSNNE – Home is where the wins are for the Celtics lately | Ryan: Should Celtics target Kyrie Irving in offseason?

Herald – Celtics notebook: Avery Bradley revels in late-night block party

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