About Last Night: Celtics Vs. Wizards

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

What a game! The Boston Celtics were victorious over the Washington Wizards last night by a score of 113-111 in overtime. Without Avery Bradley (ankle) and Rajon Rondo, who will be sitting out the second game of back-to-backs in the near future, the Celtics were able to beat the potential three seed in the Eastern Conference. Yes, I realize that isn’t saying much but at this point we’ll take what we can get on the optimism scale. Wizards Center Marcin Gortat had a chance to put the Wizards ahead in OT, but missed his second free throw, allowing Gerald Wallace to slowly bowl his way to the hoop, knock over his defender, and score the easy layup to put the C’s ahead with under two seconds remaining. Perennial All-Star Point Guard John Wall took a fade-away three as time expired, but it wasn’t even close. Here are some thoughts about last night’s contest:

• Just when you think you have Jeff Green figured out, he takes 16 three-pointers and scores 39 points to make you question all of those message board posts you made pleading for Danny Ainge to trade him. Green looked aggressive without Rondo and Bradley, but again, I doubt this  style of play will keep up and it will probably taper off by the All-Star break. Ainge can use this performance, and perhaps a few more like this to get the most value for Green in the trade market.
• Speaking of trades, does any NBA team (Or NBA affiliate) want Gerald Wallace for some magic beans? Wallace did play a role in helping the C’s win last night, but at this point there isn’t much he can offer to this young club. He has been a bit of nuisance in the locker room since his arrival and since being traded to the Brooklyn Nets two years ago, has become a shell of his former self on the court. My biggest current fear is a trade involving Wallace where the Celts are forced to give up Jared Sullinger as a piece. Odds are he isn’t going anywhere until his contract is up after next season, unless someone takes him in a deal with Jeff Green…
• Back to Green for a moment…

• Finally, Phil Pressey got major minutes last night with both starting guards in street clothes. I have been a big fan of Pressey all season because he does two things very well; pressures the ball on defense and slows down the game when things get too fast. Pressey hasn’t had many opportunities to play more than seven or eight minutes a night, but with Rondo sitting out some games and Bradley out for a few weeks he will get his time. Vander Blue and Chris Johnson are the only other threats to Pressey’s minutes so it would take a meltdown by Pressey to not see the court.