Looking into this past week of basketball, the Boston Celtics demonstrated some strong performances that showcased their resilience and skill on the court. Although their impressive win streak did come to an end this week, there were numerous positive signs and takeaways from their games that fans and analysts alike can appreciate. Boston faced off against several formidable opponents, including the LA Clippers, the Chicago Bulls in an NBA Cup game, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this stretch of competition, Boston managed to secure victories in two of the three games, highlighting their competitive edge and ability to perform under pressure.
Before we jump in, here is a run-down of how the NBA Cup works:
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.
Celtics Dominate Clippers at the Garden
Final Score: Celtics win 126-94
In what was their 6th straight win, Boston was able to dominate offensively against a Clippers team that have one of the best defenses in the NBA. Though Boston got off to a slow start, they erupted in the second quarter, scoring 51 points. The Celtics made 12 three-pointers in the quarter, which is now a NBA record. They also scored the third most points in as quarter in franchise history.
From there, Boston was able to cruise the rest of the way. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard led the way with 20 points each, while the likes of Jaylen Brown (17 points), Derrick White (19 points), and Kristaps Porziņģis (16 points) also contributed. The bench also looked much better offensively than it had been up to this point in the season. The role players Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Jayden Springer, and Jordan Walsh provided 31 extra points in addition to Pritchard's 20.
It's hard for any defense to perform well if Boston shoots like this. Without their superstar Kawhi Leonard, LA was just not on the same level offensively as the Celtics. What stood out to me was Head Coach Joe Mazzulla's game plan. The Clippers' defense has been elite all season long, but the scheme Mazzulla drew up made them look the opposite.
Boston Win Crutial NBA Cup Game
Final Score: Celtics win 138-129
The gang is back together again! In what was an offensive barrage from both teams, Boston had a fully healthy team for the first time this season.
Both teams were on fire offensively. Boston shot 50% from the field and 42.6% from three, while Chicago shot 51.6% from the field and 39.2% from three.
The game was close throughout, with both teams exchanging offensive runs. However, when it came down to the wire in the 4th quarter, Payton Prichard took over. The arguable 6th Man of the Year favorite poured on 19 points in the 4th quarter alone, making 7 of his 11 three-point attempts. Finishing the game with 29 points, Prichard single-handedly won the Celtics the game in the 4th.
Along with Prichard's incredible game, multiple other Celtics contributed as well. Tatum led the team in scoring with 35 points and also had 14 rebounds, while Brown and Porziņģis scored 21 points each.
Boston is simply unstoppable when they shoot efficiently. The Bulls scored 129 points, which on a typical night probably would have won them the game. Boston's ability to outscore their opponent, no matter how well the opponent might be shooting, is unmatched and is one of the many things that set them apart from most teams in the NBA.
Short-Handed Celtics Lose in Cleveland
Final Score: Cavaliers win 115-111
Boston's 7-game win streak came to an end against the Cavs on Sunday night, losing in a close game to a talented opponent. Boston kept it close, but the Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell took over in the 4th, scoring 20 points and closing out the victory for Cleveland.
Boston was without Brown (illness), White (foot), and Queta (foot), which severely hindered their offensive production (40% from the field and 34.7% from three). Tatum (33 points), Prichard (24 points) Porziņģis (21 points) led the way, but the rest of the team struggled to keep up offensively.
Though nights like this happen, their 4th quarter collapse was brutal to watch. Allowing Mitchell to go on the run he did is unacceptable, injuries or not. Boston had an opportunity to win the game and didn't capitalize. Yes, they were banged up and had to play guys they don't normally give major minutes to, but the story of the game wasn't the injuries, but the lack of effort on defense.
Upcoming Week Preview
Boston should be in for an exciting week of games this week. On Monday, they will take on the Miami Heat, a team known for its tenacity and strong defensive play. Following that, on Wednesday, they will go head-to-head with the Detroit Pistons, who have shown flashes this season and could be a trap game for Boston. The Celtics then play the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, who have started to find their groove as of late, carrying a 6-game win streak. Finally, on Saturday, the Celtics will wrap up the week with a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, a game that marks former Boston fan-favorite Marcus Smart's first game playing back in the TD Garden.
Injuries will be a concern this week though, particularly with the status of Derrick White. Though there haven't been any reports on White's injury being serious, Boston clearly needs him if they want to reach their full potential.
With that being said, this week presents a great opportunity for the Celtics to showcase their talent and depth against a group of quality teams. As long as the defense stays consistent, Boston should not have too many problems this week.
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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