Celtics look for 'different rhythm,' start Sullinger

Celtics look for 'different rhythm,' start Sullinger

CSNNE

A.SHERROD BLAKLEY

BOSTON – Losing four in a row, Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens making a lineup change shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Stevens said he will start a familiar face tonight in the frontcourt – Jared Sullinger – ahead of Kelly Olynyk as the Celtics take on the Indiana Pacers.

I asked Stevens why he decided to make the change.

“We’re 1-4 and just wanted to go and see if maybe we could find a different rhythm there,” Stevens said. “It’s nothing that Kelly did or didn’t do. But you know, obviously Amir has played really well. Hopefully that will continue. Sully had a really good night, especially in that second half run last night.”

In Boston’s 120-114 loss at New York, Sullinger had 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting to go with seven rebounds in just under 20 minutes of action.

Of Sullinger’s 14 points, 12 came in the fourth quarter.

Olynyk had five points and four rebounds against the Knicks, but did not play (coaches decision) in the second half.

Stevens said his decision was also influenced by what he anticipates will be a big frontcourt which makes Sullinger’s inside presence even more valuable with the first group.

“At the end of the day, if they do that (go with big lineup) it gives us a better chance to rebound the ball,” Stevens said.

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