Post-game Thread: Celtics-Knicks in Boston

[Sam]

I’m sure BobH will do his usual great job of summarizing the game with particular focus on the performances of individual players.  For my part, a few random observations about the game.
 
• First, the Celtics upped the ante in each quarter, scoring 23. 25, 32 and 35 in succession.  It was great to see them coming on stronger and stronger as the game progressed.  In the second half, they went on a 24-2 run and held the Knicks scoreless for six minutes.
 
• Second, I made the observation, early in the game, that the Celtics essentially had only a 7-man rotation.  Enter Jonas Jerebko to make it an 8-man rotation by adding exactly what the Celtics needed—another big man who can rebound and score inside and out.
 
• Isaiah Thomas is not a percentage shooter.  Only 3-10 in this game.  But the timing of his “makes” is nearly impeccable, and he peppers his stat line with free throws to shore up a very deficient area for the Celtics.
 
• The starters scored 54 and were +11, while the bench scored 61 points and were also +11.  That double attack is getting to be a pattern for this team; and what it translates too is persistent pressure on opponents.
 
• In my favorite stat, the Celtics assisted on 69% of their made field goals.  Anything more than 60% is good, and 69% is chemistry territory.  Give Even Turner a load of credit for the rhythm of the offense, and he committed only one turnover in 34 minutes while composing a triple-double.  Brad mentioned that he couldn’t take Even out of the game because he was performing so well, and Even wound up playing 18 consecutive minutes at the end of the game.
 
• The Celtics had five players with at least four rebounds apiece, topped by Turner’s 12.  Even before Rondo left the team, the non-bigs on this team were beginning to grab a plethora of rebounds.  Guys like Turner and Crowder, who may appear “iffy” in certain ways, make huge and timely rebounds with their rebounding games.
 
• Get used to seeing me post a lot about Jae Crowder because he’s exactly the type of player who I think contributes far more than he’ll ever be given credit for.  Yeah, he shot a little better than usual (7-12) in this game, including 3-5 on threes, and also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists with ZERO turnovers in 29 minutes.  But my admiration for him goes well beyond those impressive figures.  Watching him on the defensive end is a major treat.  He’s everywhere, constantly switching onto opponents who get free on the pick-and-roll, always in the scrum for rebounds.  And he gets his points without plays being called for him, as he’s “Mr. Opportunist.”  Never misses a chance to cut for the hoop but also is one of the team leaders in swinging the ball quickly around the perimeter and always being available (without being pushy) to shoot the open three.
 
• In the last three games, the Celtics have scored 15, 14 and 18 fast break points, which is a lot more than had been typical previously.
 
• The core group of Bass, Zeller, Jerebko (yes, I’m including him), Crowder, Turner, Smart, Bradley and Thomas are not elite in terms of sheer talent.  But, whether by design or luck, their versatility, energy and selfless play are resulting in improved chemistry on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
 
• The chemistry is particularly apparent among  the finishing group, which typically includes Bass, Crowder, Thomas and two from the trio of Bradley, Turner and Smart.  They’re at a severe disadvantage against opponents with a lot of height; but the Celts are finding ways to even the playing field by outworking and/or outmaneuvering taller opponents.


Sam

[wide clyde]

Sam,

As usual I like your comments following a game.

I particularly like your thoughts on the "team" improvements that are stemming from team camaraderie, effort, etc and Crowder's contribution to this part of the game.

As the re-build continues, your mention of needing a center is imperative for the reasons you mentioned. This need of a center at both ends of the court is the team's biggest need. The better teams in the league are much better than the Cs nearer to the basket. To this point I hope that Ainge will bundle as many of the draft picks and trade exemptions to trade up to get one of the best two college big men that are likely to enter this year's draft.

[Sam]

Clyde,

Thanks.  Whether through the draft or free agency, I suspect that draft picks will play a major role in landing Mr. Right.  I'm excited about the fact that Danny is finally operating from a position of strength in the player acquisition battle.  The number of assets at his disposal practically demands that he make a defensive intimidator among his top priorities this summer.  I'm afraid poor Zeller is getting worn down by the heavy demands on him with Sully out.  Right now, I'm holding out more hope than I'm comfortable with about Jerebko's emerging role.

Sam

[NYCelt]

Sure was a good 4th Q for 3-ball fans.

Completely changed the game.

[gyso]

Sure was a good 4th Q for 3-ball fans.

Completely changed the game.

A team can live or die at the 3-point line. Last night, we feasted. Against the Lakers the other night, the menu served up wish-sandwiches.

[NYCelt]

Sure was a good 4th Q for 3-ball fans.

Completely changed the game.

A team can live or die at the 3-point line.  Last night, we feasted.  Against the Lakers the other night, the menu served up wish-sandwiches.

gyso,

I'm OK with the risks of 3-ball strategy, so I have no issue there.

You're killing me, however, with sandwich analogies around lunch time, when I can't get free for one today.

Regards

[gyso]

NY,

I am likewise not against using the 3-point line to spread out the goodness.  I was just using it as a foil to serve up my punch line.

You know what a wish-sandwich is?  It is when you have two slices of bread . . . and you wish you had some meat!!

Bow-bow-bow!!

[dboss]

Who were those two teams that played last night?

One team was wearing NY Knicks jerseys and the other had Celtics jerseys on.

Now that the smoke has cleared the remainder of the season should provide us with a good look at where this team is heading. I like what I see.

dboss

[cowens/oldschool]

dboss finally a voice of reason, I know the Knicks can't beat Kentucky, they are fielding a D-League team.

If we played them they would take away everything inside, we'd have to rely on our 3 point game....and unfortunately we have no rim protection so I see them scoring inside on us and crashing the boards, wouldn't be a good match up.

[bobheckler]

Repeat after me:  "it's only the Knicks", "it's only the Knicks", "it's only the Knicks".  That was my mantra last night.  There was no reason why that bunch of not-so-lovable losers should have been able to hang with us for as long as they did.  Their "bigs" punished ours for most of the first half.  Their "bigs" were draft bust Andrea Barf-nani, Jason Smith (a 7'0", 240#er who is listed as a PF) and NBA journeyman Lou Amundson.  It was embarrassing, to be honest.

Some credit where credit is due, off the top.  Derek Fisher, whom I do not envy, had them playing the triangle pretty well last night.  They were executing it well with crappy talent.  That's the beauty of having "a system".  If the players buy into it you have a chance, it doesn't matter if it is Phil with his triangle, Pop with his "read-and-react" or Thibs with his flex defense.  The downside, of course, is that you need players that will not only buy in but have the skill sets necessary to do the job in the system and right now D-Fish doesn't.

1.  Jonas Jerebko, where have you been all my life?  Think he wants to play?  When Thomas scored 21 points in his debut everybody fell down in joy.  Fair enough, it was one helluvan entrance even though he came heralded as a scorer.  Last night, though, might have been even more impressive given that scoring was not why Jerebko is in the league.  20 points for one of the guys from "the other trade" on 7-10, 4-6 from 3 (meaning he was 3-4 from 2), 5 rebounds (including a few rugged ones.  After Zeller let Smith waltz across the lane and take a 5' hook shot, which missed fortunately, Jerebko just swooped in and grabbed the rebound out of nowhere.  He isn't afraid to stick his nose in) and even 2 assists with only 1 TO.  His defensive switching was good too.  His rep is as a "physical defender".  I saw him lay his body on a few players last night.  One time, Barf-nani was trying to sneak baseline for a cut and Jerebko bounced him half out of bounds.  I loved that, and not just because I loathe Barf-nani.  That was just bonus.  A real quick learner, or "it's only the Knicks"?  We'll see over time but last night he popped a few eyes open, including Brad's I'm sure.  Another thing that I liked about him is that he and Crowder are on the same page when they have the ball on top.  If the shot is open, they take it, but if there's a path to the basket they put the ball on the floor and take it to the defense.  Of his 3 2pt fgm, one was an elbow jumper but the other two were right there at the front of the rim after he passed up the open jump shot for the beeline to the iron.  There was much ado about the acquisition of Thomas, fair enough, and the Prince trade was taken as a yawner (it's usually even talked about "the Thomas trade" referring principally to the player we got and "the Prince trade", referring to the player we gave up and NOT to the players we got, or "the other trade").  Jerebko is in the final year of his contract.  We get a free look at him in Brad's system.  It's just one game and "it's only the Knicks" but Danny might have pulled off another below-the-radar robbery.  Welcome to Boston, Jonas Jerebko.  Keep playing like this and you'll like it here, even in winter (he's Swedish).  On the court he looks solid, as in beefy.  I looked it up, he's 6'10" 240#.  Not bad.

2.  Cameo appearance in the 4th quarter for the other player in "the other trade".  Mike Gorman mentioned last night that Gigi Datome has been the MVP in every league he has played in until the NBA.  I could almost see Tommy's eyes spinning in his head like a top.  He's a 12 year veteran.  We know that Danny, personally, got on a plane to scout him in Europe.  I don't know what to make of him, to be honest, he didn't play enough in Detroit to tell how well he has adapted to the US and Euro-ball is sufficiently different you cannot just make assumptions.  If Jerebko is a steal, might we hope that Mr. MVP can step up too?  We have the rest of the year to see.  He is a 6'9" SF with Noah's hausfrau haircut.  I'll try to get past that.

3.  Factor into Gigi's opportunity is enhanced because James Young is struggling mightily on defense.  Just as in Phoenix he was getting beat repeatedly on defense.  And this was against "it's only the Knicks".  Russian gunner Alexey Shved repeatedly flew past him like Tom Cruise doing a fly-by in Top Gun.  Smart has an instinctive feel for how to cut off angles on drives, Young hasn't figured that out yet.  I'm not ready to cash in on Young yet, he has been injured for much of this year, missed the all-important rookie camp and exhibition season but he has got to find some defensive religion if he wants to stick in this league and on this team.  Especially now that there is perennial MVP Datome hungry to play.  I've been underwhelmed by Young.  He looks like another MarShon Brooks type of player, to be honest.

4.  Mike Gorman mentioned that, since the all-star game, Avery Bradley is the 6th leading scorer in the league and #1 in steals.  Not a great night for Bradley last night, not bad just not great, but he deserves credit and notice for all the games since the all-star and not just last night's.  He's the reason I'm not giving up on Young yet.  Remember how many, if not most, of us called Danny's drafting of him a mistake and wanted to trade him after year 1?

5.  This is, BY FAR, the best game I have ever seen Louis Amundson play.  Ever.  Anywhere, and he has been with 10 teams in a "really, he's been around that long?  How'd that happen?  Does he have pictures of half the coaches in the league in compromising positions?" 9 year career.  He played the low post in the triangle and repeatedly burned us with a pass on the backdoor cut.  Much has been said, especially by Sam, about not judging players until you see them in a system that fits them.  Maybe, after all these years and all these teams, Lou Amundson has found his system.  His career average is 3.7ppg.  Last night he scored 14 and they didn't look awkward or lucky.  They looked confident and strong.  Having said this you still couldn't pay me to have him on my team but damn, Lou!  Gotta give you props for last night.  Good job.  You were, perhaps, the most professional looking player in blue-and-red last night.  Too bad "it's only the Knicks", that might have meant something.

6.  The Knicks backcourt, while defensively questionable can certainly score in bunches, was shut down last night.  Jose Calderon might be the best player on the Knicks now and is VERY dangerous from 3.  He was 1-7 last night, 1-5 from 3.  Tim Hardaway Jr. isn't Tim Hardaway Jr. for nothing.  Like his dad, he loves to shoot and has burned us many times in the past.  Last night he was 4-12 including 0-4 from 3.  They were not getting a lot of open looks.  We called the the backcourt tandem of Bradley and Courtney Lee "the pitbulls".  What should we call Bradley and Smart?  "The Wolverines"?  The two of them are blowing up opposing back courts and not "only the Knicks".  And Smart is still learning.

7.  Zeller is looking tired and frail.  He's playing smaller than he actually is.  He had a strong (very strong) first half against Cousins in Sacto and then faded.  He had a pretty good rebounding game in LA but couldn't score against the immortal Bob Sacre Bleu and PF-turned-center Jordan Hill.  He was completely physically dominated and intimidated by Alex Len in Phoenix and last night he couldn't overachieve against a team that really doesn't have a center.  Jerebko and Bass played better against Barf-nani and 240# Jason Smith just owned Zeller in the first half.  Zeller and Olynyk.  How did we end up with not one but two 7'ers who don't dunk?  Cauley-Stein, Porzingis or trade I don't care but Zeller needs to get more aggressive if he is going to be a starting NBA center.  He's a running big man?  Hasn't been outrunning anybody since the all-star break.

8.  Another great game by Crowder.  As I said about Jerebko, Jae doesn't just accept the open 3ptr if a better shot is offered.  Considering the way Rondo is blowing up in Dallas and Brandon Wright is having a nice but not spectacular season in Phoenix and Jameer Nelson is at the tail end of his career in Denver, Jae Crowder might be the best player in that whole trade.  When you get the best player in a trade, you won that trade.  Not the best athlete, that might be Wright.  Not the one with the best stats and league awards like all-star and all-defense, that'd be Rondo, but the player that provides the most value to the team in the system they are implementing.  What Jae Crowder brings to the Celtics appears to be more than what Rondo did in his last year and a half, post-3 Amigos and what he is bringing to Dallas in his new system.  Take away Rondo's all-star cast and he appears quite mortal.  Take away Crowder's all-star cast (Dirk and Ellis) and he flourishes.  That is the perfect player for a team in flux and change, a player that plays the game regardless of the talent surrounding him.

9.  Welcome back to earth, Mighty Mouse.  Only 3-10, 7 assists but 4 TOs.  Not a great night by Thomas but that's ok.  As we develop the team around him I'm ok with him having two great games for every bad one.  When we add quality he'll have other players that will pick up the slack on his off-nights, like last night.  But, it was "only the Knicks".

10.  6'11", 250#, #11 draft lottery bust Cole Aldrich was a healthy DNP.  So was #18 draft pick (not bust quite yet) Shane Larkin.  This is despite that fact that Brad emptied his bench with 3 minutes left and let undrafted Shavlik Randolph, undrafted Phil Pressey and undrafted Gigi Datome play.

11.  A respectable 46 points in the paint for us.  I'd feel better about that number if it wasn't "only against the Knicks" but I'll take it.  18 fast break points, now THAT'S a number I like.  I don't know if Brad called for this or if it was just Bradley taking what the Knicks offered, but he was releasing on Knick shots and racing down court.  My gut tells me it was Brad's call because our guys were looking up and downcourt immediately and hitting him with long passes on the run.  Some nice finishes by Bradey too.  My type of basketball.  If you're not punishing them inside with your bigs you're running their legs off.

12.  Evan Turner with his first career triple-double.  10 assists and only 1 TO.  I've been pretty hard on him, and I've tried to back my comments up with details, but I gotta give him credit last night.  No stupid and unnecessary shots, no poor finishes to speak of, some strong rebounds and not just padding and 5-9 from the field.  But it was "only against the Knicks".  We have now found Evan Turner's floor.  He can shine against the worst team in the league.

A nice tribute to Tommy after the 1st quarter to honor him for his induction into the HOF as a coach.  8x World Champion player, 2x World Champion coach, NBA ROY.  I wonder if he got his last two to fit his thumbs...Congrats, Tommy.  We love ya, you ultimate homie, you.

Don't look now, but we're only one game out of the playoffs.



bob



.

[beat]

Bob

Love your take.....

But regarding our little mighty might........ don't forget he did go to the line 11 times last evening, and made all of them. Perhaps the shooting was off but not at the line. I'll take 11 FS for a point guard any day......for that matter any one !!

beat

[bobheckler]

Bob

Love your take.....

But regarding our little mighty might........ don't forget he did go to the line 11 times last evening, and made all of them. Perhaps the shooting was off but not at the line. I'll take 11 FS for a point guard any day......for that matter any one !!

beat

beat,

Excellent point, I overlooked that.  It was mentioned last night that Thomas has taken more fts in 2 games as a Celtic than Rondo had in all the games he played in green this year.

Thomas is 23-25 from the line as a Celtic.  I'll take 92% all day every day.  Add to that we took 30 ftas total, that means he took over 1/3 of our ftas.  It's one thing if an occasional shooter shoots 92% but a whole other thing when your most prolific ft shooter shoots 92%.  MUCH bigger impact on the game, both in terms of giving you easy points but also putting them in the bonus and the other team in foul trouble.

Good catch.


bob



.

[NYCelt]

NY,

I am likewise not against using the 3-point line to spread out the goodness.  I was just using it as a foil to serve up my punch line.

You know what a wish-sandwich is?  It is when you have two slices of bread . . . and you wish you had some meat!!

Bow-bow-bow!!

OK Jake. Don't forget the Sunday go-to-meeting bun!

[beat]

Bob

Love your take.....

But regarding our little mighty might........ don't forget he did go to the line 11 times last evening, and made all of them. Perhaps the shooting was off but not at the line. I'll take 11 FS for a point guard any day......for that matter any one !!

beat

beat,

Excellent point, I overlooked that.  It was mentioned last night that Thomas has taken more fts in 2 games as a Celtic than Rondo had in all the games he played in green this year.

Thomas is 23-25 from the line as a Celtic.  I'll take 92% all day every day.  Add to that we took 30 ftas total, that means he took over 1/3 of our ftas.  It's one thing if an occasional shooter shoots 92% but a whole other thing when your most prolific ft shooter shoots 92%.  MUCH bigger impact on the game, both in terms of giving you easy points but also putting them in the bonus and the other team in foul trouble.

Good catch.


bob



.

During his postgame interview he even mentioned the fact that when a team is in the bonus he turns up the attack mode scale even more. Never heard a player actually say that he is aware of the bonus situation verbally like that. I'm sure most are aware but it is a refreshing thing to have our player actually say that and to know how to take full advantage of it.

Going to be an interesting run to the finish............hell with the 8th seed we could get to the 7th.

beat

[beat]

This seems to be the only way I can paste this

https://www.facebook.com/bostonceltics

scroll down to the post game report, the one with Marcus Smart and 4 others, about at the 1:30 second mark is where Thomas mentions being in the bonus and being more aggressive.

beat

[Sam]

Beat, you read my mind.  I've posted that Thomas' arsenal of weapons is so great that he can be off in one area and segue to an another arrow in his quiver.  That's just what he did last night, driving mercilessly and picking up foul after foul.  I'd prefer not to characterize is as a off game until he scores in single figures and doesn't inject the team with a lot of energy.

Sam

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