Crisis Averted. Celtics Right The Ship In Brooklyn And Are Back In Playoff Position

Greenie3/24/2015 2:11 PM

Huge win. Needed that win. After a sigh of relief, here is what we learned last night while improving to 10-5 on the second night of back to backs…

It was good to see the Celts come out early in the first quarter and actually run an offense. After falling victim to isolation play down the stretch on Sunday where they did a lot of standing around, it was a welcomed sight. Brad Stevens went back to his bread and butter set, what they call “four”. What’s great about this play is the movement it causes. It forces the defense to make a split second decision on how to switch, and it is usually that split second that Celtics are able to exploit. Usually this play is run for Avery Bradley to come off a screen for a jumper, and that is exactly what we saw

Brad likes that play so much, he ran the EXACT same play on his next possession only went to the second option in Zeller. You can see Deron Williams recognized the play and attempted to jump the passing lane, which left Zeller wide open.

Bradley was basically the only offense we had to start this game, and he continues to improve his ability to consistently hit a jump shot. At 8M per year he is a steal in my opinion. If he can command respect from 18ft that opens everything up.

Another pleasant surprise was that the Celtics defense made the trip to Brooklyn, especially in a must win game on a back to back. Their defense in the second quarter was pretty textbook, and shockingly they rarely missed a defensive rotation. If not for giving up 10 offensive rebounds in the first half (which is definitely a problem) it wouldn’t have been as close as it was.

The second half continued to be all Celtics. Zeller would continue to play well, especially his ability to hit the little floater as he cuts through the lane. Some might say he is drastically overachieving lately but fuck it, might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Which brings me to goofy ass Kelly Olynyk. Safe to say he busted out of his slump a little bit last night with 18 big points off the bench. His mini solo run in the 4th quarter was high comedy, and it was great to see him just shoot the ball and not think. In a big time game he provided the needed spark which will be crucial moving forward.

Evan Turner also continued his strong play last night with a solid 19/10/12. Turner is a tough player to evaluate because he can be so frustrating to watch. Usually when he is in the game, you tend to see more isolation and probably some brutal turnovers. At the same time, you get nights like last night, where his midrange game is on point and he can carry you offensively. I am not sure he has a future with the Celts after this season, but his ability to get into the lane and finish around the rim lately cannot be ignored.

After an easy win the Celtics would also get some help from the rest of the NBA as the Pacers continue to slide losing to Houston and Charlotte fell to Chicago so it’s back to the playoffs bitches! Live look at where we are at with Miami comin to the Garden on Wednesday.