Boston Celtics stop their three-game skid with a total team victory, something we haven’t seen in a while. With that, let’s talk about the key points throughout this battle:
The Truth has been told:
Paul Pierce has contributed a ton in this 2012-13 season, but Wednesday night’s viewers saw the old school Paul Pierce all Celtics fan knew and loved.
Photo by www.celtics.com
“Paul is the toughest guy to read because he never takes the same shot,” Rivers said. “He doesn’t even have the same release point. No kid should watch that. It’s amazing how he does it.
Last night’s performance is atop of the list for his most impressive performances as he became the oldest Celtic in Boston Celtics history to score 40 points in a regular season game.
Boston’s captain showed off an astonishing shooting display with a 81.2% from the field. Mainly, 6-7 from the three-point line.
Pierce did everything right. He drew contact where contact needed to be draw. His forte, taking on an opponent at the elbow and falling away looked like the old-time Paul Pierce. The Celtics small forward is posting 20.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 5.5 rebound per game.
Jason Collins gets his number called:
For the first time in the 2012-13 season, the Boston Celtics turn to Jason Collins for support in the starting role. Despite Brandon Bass’ production this season, Doc Rivers recognized the rebounding numbers were down and it was time for a change.
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The Boston Celtics are last in the NBA regarding the rebounding category with 38.3 rebounds per game. There is a need for a big man in Danny Ainge’s eyes, but for now the momentary answer is to turn to Collins. This season, the 11-year veteran is averaging 0.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Collins gives Doc Rivers’ team a different look. His performances game in and game out are quiet, but he applies the small things that don’t show up in the box score.
Going forward, Rivers should continue this trend as Bass is more productive coming off the bench and Collins knows his role.
Jared Sullinger’s position on this team:
Jared Sullinger applied something in last night’s game the Celtics haven’t seen out of him all season, offensive rebounding. The former Ohio State Buckeye tallied for five rebounds–two coming off the offensive glass in the victory.
Photo by www.celtics.com
If the Celtics want to climb up the totem pole, every player on the team must know their role. In terms of Sullinger, he must bang bodies down low, no more taking jump shots. He has to do what got him into the NBA–establishing a presence down low. Since Sullinger arrives off the bench, scoring will come from Brandon Bass, Jeff Green, and the guards. There is no need to pull up for a jumper. Instead, battle down low.
Sullinger has posted 4.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season.
The Boston Celtics (13-12) will look to continue their momentum against Milwaukee Bucks (13-11) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the TD Garden.
