Celtics, Hornets, And Nets All Win So Things Are About To Get Real Interesting
What a game. Thanks to a no show by the Detroit Pistons, and the abortion that is the New York Knicks, last night’s game at the Garden was the true definition of MUST win. Fortunately for us, they responded in a big, big way. Let’s take a look at what we learned while realizing this team might be the best 8 seed in the history of the league….
Where to start. Celts got so many great contributions again from almost everyone it was more of a pick your poison. I’ll start with maybe the biggest surprise of the night, big man Tyler Zeller. Going up against giant Roy Hibbert, Tyler without a doubt outplayed him in every facet of the game. Immediately Zeller realized Hibbert could not guard him off the dribble, and once that was established and Hibbert had to respect the drive, it was time for the open 15 footer. Zeller would finish with 19 pts on 8-9 shooting and Hibbert a strong 7 pts. Now I ask you, would you rather pay Zeller 1M a year to put up 10 and 5 with a 18PER, or pay 14M a year for Hibbert’s 10 and 7 with 15PER? Trader Danny wins again, just getting solid value on the cheap. Everything was coming up Zeller
It would be wrong of me to go on any further without giving Kelly Olynyk his proper due. Now I must say that I was not shocked whatsoever to hear Kelly Olynyk got hurt in practice. Just too funny, only a big game tonight in which he would need to be a key contributer, let’s just go HAM during shootaround. Even better was that it was fucking Shavlik that gave it to him. Take it down a couple levels man shit. Everyone has had a player like you on their team and no one has liked him. Can’t be doing that.
Despite playing with one eye, we all saw what Kelly did. Dirty. Full old man game was definitely on display. The pace at which Kelly makes his moves almost reminds me of Pierce’s quick slowness only much much worse. But the kid would not be denied, finishing with a STRONG 19 pts on 7-10 shooting. He displayed both 3 point range, and the ability to hit off balance midrange jumpers.
Not to be outdone, Evan Turner just put up a triple double. Now Russell Westbrook has made these seem sort of common, but for Evan fucking Turner I’ll take it every day of the week. In my opinion he is our must frustrating player, because there are nights like Wednesday where he is unreal. There are games he’ll go on and score 16 straight points and carry you down the stretch. Then there are like the 70 other games where he plays like an absolute asshole.
What stood out to me right away was how great the Celtics were moving the ball. They made the extra pass, for the most stayed away from isolation and it was beautiful to watch. When this team shares the ball they are tough to beat, and Brad has them playing the right way at the right time.
Unfortunately, this was a game more to keep pace with the Hornets and Nets so on that front it is disappointing. Celts finished the night exactly where they started, .5 game out of the final playoff spot. On the plus side, we essentially murdered Indiana and Charlottes hopes of the playoffs, which was always the goal heading into this week. The Nets have gotten hot, but remember we won that season series 3-1. Friday brings Milwaukee to the Garden, in what is now guess what…a must win game.
Go Celtics.
P.S Isaiah has a Top 5 hesitation move in the NBA. Shit is 100% unguardable