Due to the NBA Cup, the Boston Celtics only had two games this past week, both of which were dominant wins. Even with a banged up team, Boston still proved they can adapt and fill the holes that are left by the injuries. Yes, they played a couple of the worst teams in the NBA, but they were still able to remind the league just how deep their team really goes.
Pritchard Leads Boston Past Detroit
Final Score: Celtics win 123-99
The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum (knee) and Sam Hauser (thigh) in this one, but it did not faze them one bit. From start to finish, Boston controlled the game on both sides of the floor. The team shot brilliantly, shooting 51.1% from the field and 41.7% from three, both of which are elite numbers. They out-assisted (34-27) and out-rebounded (51-43) the Pistons, which was a huge story of this game.
Payton Pritchard put together another 6th Man of the Year type performance, scoring 27 points on 10/20 shooting (7/15 from three). His spark off the bench was what kept Boston's lead throughout the game. Derrick White was not far behind, as he scored 23 points on 7/13 shooting (7/12 from three).
As a result of injuries, Boston has also gotten some much-needed help from the end of the bench. Guard Drew Peterson has been giving quality minutes, while the likes of Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet always provide great rim protection and an offensive option in the paint.
Overall, a really solid game from the Celtics. They did exactly what they needed to do to win, nothing more and nothing less. Team basketball was the name of the game in this one, which was a breath of fresh air after a tough loss last game against the Grizzlies.
Tatum Shines in Washington
Final Score: Celtics win 112-98
In what was a very solid game defensively, Boston handled the Wizards once again this season, proving not only that they are one of the best, but that Washington is one of the worst. Boston is just on a different level than Washington, with this game being no different.
Tatum was phenomenal, picking apart the Wizards' defense and scoring whenever he wanted to. He finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds, on efficient shooting (12/26). White and Pritchard (25 points each) also contributed offensively in what was an off-day for Jaylen Brown (11 points on 4/14 shooting).
Hitting 18 three-pointers in a game, though not the most Boston has made this season, makes it difficult for any team to beat them, let alone the worst in basketball. Boston breezed through this game, just like they have in their other matchups with Washington. The ball movement was on point, and the rotational defense was much better in this one as well. In games like this, what I want to see is how the Celtics try on the defensive end. In games where they expect to win and play inferior opponents, they tend to lack effort defensively. That was not the case in this game, which was a very positive sign heading into this week.
Takeaway From The Week
There is not much to take away from this week, as it seems like the only teams we've played recently are the Pistons and the Wizards. Nevertheless, Boston took care of business, like they should have. The rotational defense was much better this week; players were closing out shooters faster, switching more effectively, while also protecting the paint. Boston's depth also showed, and has been showing the past few weeks. The injury bug has officially hit the team, but Boston hasn't wavered in the slightest.
Boston has another two games this week, both against Chicago (Thursday is at home, Saturday is away). Boston should win both games, as long as they still combat their offense with tough defensive play. Let's hope the lack of games can help Boston heal, and eventually go into the midseason as healthy as possible.
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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