Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of awesome Hospital Celtics performances.
It reflects just how incredible Brad Stevens' basketball brain is.
He has created the perfect roster.
For the first time in 33 straight games, Jayson Tatum finally took his WELL earned rest day.
Jrue has Mallet Finger so he was out.
Sorry if that offends, but it’s the truth.
This is what they do.
That’s a special thing to have that is both extremely unique and is what makes this team Champions.
Let’s dive in.
We begin with Payton Pritchard.
No subs, no quick breathers, nothing.
That’s some special, special shit from a player who prides himself on being an absolute DAWG.
Make no mistake, they desperately needed Pritchard early in this game as well.
Look at where the man shoots from!
This was his 10th 3PM!!
What makes Pritchard so dangerous is this very shot.
Now once the defense creeps out, boom you’re still dead.
Because now Pritchard can also get to the rim and finish at a high clip over taller defenders.
Despite some other potential challengers, what this performance did is pretty much end the 6MOY race.
Not to mention he’s also one of if not the best offensive rebounding guards in the NBA.
Pritchard is willing to do whatever it takes to win, and that’s what makes him perfect.
And perhaps my favorite part of his entire night?
This is the good shit.
This is how you get rewarded with Larry O’Briens.
Respect the game, don’t make it about yourself, play hard at all times.
10 out of 10 no notes.
- Then of course, there was our beautiful bald savior, Derrick White.
We’ve seen Derrick carry before, especially while leading the Hospital Celtics.
It’s why he’s the ultimate swiss army knife.
If you need him to defend, he does.
What I liked about his approach in this game was that he was balanced.
I get why they went and signed Torrey Craig.
He’s a veteran shooter.
But the thing is, playing time is going to be inconsistent.
There’s no luxury of “finding a rhythm” as a shooter in this reserve wing role.
It’s not fair, but it’s how it is.
You have to come in, defend, rebound, and knock down open 3s.
It’s just more important to you long term.
Hopefully Walsh gets even more run tonight on the B2B, because every time he plays there are flashes.
Sure there are mistakes as well, but the potential cannot be ignored in my opinion.
Wouldn’t you know that as the Celts continue to embrace Mazzulla Ball, they continue to win.
It’s not rocket science.
Mazzulla Ball works, and it works at an elite level.
I usually only get concerned when Al is short on everything, that tells you his legs are cooked.
It’s what he does.
This is a guy who has made 13 3PM all year.
I found that to be very annoying.
Just cut the shit.
We have to let things get down to 5-7???
I don’t think so.
So what caused the collapse?
Pretty much the same formula.
Jaylen was missing everything at the paint/rim, which most of the time are easy makes.
In the 4th quarter alone, the 3pt difference was 5-9 vs 2-12.
The Blazers shot 61/55% as a team with only 1 TO.
- Not the best Queta night, in fact he was pretty brutal in his 6 minutes.
That’s pretty much the deal though, some nights will be solid, others a disaster.
That variance is why he’s the 4th center.
Another game of a general lack of awareness, some issues defensively, hopefully he’s much better tonight.
Usually in non-Tatum games Hauser’s shooting is so important, so that was a bit of a prayer.
The good news is that’s exactly what they do.
