The Boston Celtics were fantastic last week, as the team added to the win column in each of their three games. The defense improved from the week prior, while the offense remained hot as usual. Boston had some tough matchups as well, as they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Though all three teams put up a fight, it wasn't enough to stop this high-powered Celtics team who moved to 14-3 on the year.
Author's Note: The NBA Cup is an in-season tournament that was first implemented into the NBA season last year. The teams within each conference are split up into three randomly selected groups (ex. The Celtics, Cavaliers, Hawks, Wizards, and Bulls make up East Group C). The teams within each group play each other once. The teams at the top of each division (6 teams total), along with two wildcard teams from each conference (the two best 2nd-place finishers within each group in the conference), will then move on to the knockout stage (single elimination). The remaining two teams (one from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference) will play each other for the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.
Boston Hands Cavs their 1st Loss
Final Score: Celtics win 120-117
This game was definitely the most highly anticipated game of the NBA season to date. The Celtics faced off against their biggest test yet: the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only that, but it was also an NBA Cup game, which only added to the high stakes.
Though the score may say otherwise, Boston's defense won them the game. They held Cleveland to only 34.5% from three, which is significantly worse than their 41.5% three-point average this season. Another factor was the defensive job Derrick White and Jrue Holiday did on Cleveland guard Darius Garland. Garland is the Cavs' second scoring option and has been having a huge year, yet the Celtics held him to only 8 points on 3/21 shooting.
Though Boston fell apart in the third quarter (they were outscored 40-28) and blew their double-digit lead, they were still able to hold on and escape with the victory. A clutch three from Payton Pritchard and a couple of key defensive plays from Al Horford and Derrick White sealed the deal for Boston in this one.
Boston Handle Buisness in Washington
Final Score: Celtics win 108-96
It wasn't the prettiest of games, but Boston did what they needed to do to sneak out with a win, and second NBA Cup victory, against the Wizards.
Boston did not shoot well whatsoever in this one; they shot 42.4% from the field (2nd worst this season) and 23.9% from three (season low). However, if a bad shooting night were to come against any team, having it be against Washington is definitely a good option.
With Jayson Tatum having his worst shooting night of the season (16 points, 6/19 from the field, and 0/10 from three), Jaylen Brown led the way throughout the game, scoring 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
With both teams shooting poorly, it came down to the little things, and Boston mainly came out on top. Although Boston was out-rebounded 48-43, they were able to out-assist (22-19) the Wizards, while also having more steals (11-7), blocks (7-4), and fewer turnovers (12-19). These were factors throughout the game, and ultimately were what gave Boston the edge in the game.
Boston Win Rubber Match Against Minnesota
Final Score: Celtics win 107-105
In what felt like a close game throughout, Boston extended their home winning streak to 18 games (dating back to last season) against the Timberwolves. Minnesota was a very good team and is one of the favorites to make a deep playoff run. Beating a team like the Timberwolves adds to the Celtics' resume of dominance.
Though still not great, Boston's shooting was much better in this contest, as they shot 42.5% from the field and 37.5% from three. Hitting five threes in the first quarter, Brown had another fantastic game, leading the way with 29 points on 10/18 shooting (7/10 from three). Tatum was also close behind, scoring 26 points on 8/21 shooting (5/12 from three).
The bench did not do much in this one (16 total points), but the rest of the supporting cast was solid. Derrick White returned to his efficient shooting, scoring 19 points on 7/12 from the field (4/9 from three), while Holiday and Horford played stellar defense.
Again, not the prettiest of games from the team as a whole, but enough to get the job done. It is a good sign that Boston is winning these types of games, where they shoot poorly and are required to make mid-game adjustments to win. At the end of the day, it does not matter how you get the win, but rather that you get it.
Upcoming Week Preview
This week, Boston will face the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls (NBA Cup game), and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The biggest piece of news this week is that Boston will be getting their star big man, Kristaps Porziņģis, back for Monday's matchup against the Clippers. This was highly unexpected, as the latest update stated Porziņģis' targeted return date was not to occur until around Christmas.
Porziņģis will provide Boston with some much-needed size, interior defense, and rim protection, while also adding another shooter on the perimeter. Though Porziņģis will likely be on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future, his presence will definitely boost morale and enhance what is already arguably the best team in basketball.
The three games Boston has this week are all winnable. Though the Cavs' talent cannot be ignored, if the Celtics play the way they know they can, the teams they face are simply not on the same level.
The thing I'm looking for this week is the production from the bench, especially Payton Pritchard. Yes, Sam Hauser had a solid week last week, and Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet have been solid defensively, but Pritchard needs to step up offensively. His shooting is too important to the team to disappear. The starters are carrying too much of the load right now, which is not sustainable over a full season, so they need help from the bench to prevent any sort of mid-season burnout.
With that being said, Boston should keep on winning this week. I have no doubt that the offense will improve from last week, and the defense will reach a new level now that Porziņģis is back.
Stay tuned for more Celtics content and be sure to check out fansonlysportz.com for more sports media content posted daily.
Catch you next time!
-Matt Hylen
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