Three Takeaways: Evan Turner, Bench Propel Boston Celtics Past Knicks

Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Turner‘s first-career triple-double and an impressive contribution from the bench helped push the Boston Celtics passed the New York Knicks on Wednesday, 115-94.

Through two quarters of play, it seemed as if the Knicks were destined for upset at the Garden. They led the Celtics 49-48 at the half, but a 20-0 run that spanned the third and fourth quarter, swung the momentum for the remainder of the game.

Jonas Jerebko, Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas combined for 57 points off the bench. Jerebko tallied 20 points, shooting four-for-six from downtown. Crowder added 18 points, shooting 3-of-5 from deep. Thomas continued to impress, finishing with 19 points.

Turner’s ability to facilitate was on display and it changed the game for the Celtics. Turner dished out 10 assists to go along with 12 rebounds and 10 points. He logged 34 minutes on the way to his first triple-double.

In victory, the Celtics surpassed the 100-point plateau for the seventh time in their last nine games. They improved to 22-33 on the season.

Here are my three key takeaways from the Celtics 22nd win.

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1. Trust in the three ball

The Celtics shot 14-of-31 (45.2%) from deep. Six players knocked down a three-ball. Jonas Jerebko led the way with four, Jae Crowder hit three and Marcus Smart added three of his own. Boston also hit 14 threes in Monday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. When their hitting from beyond the arc, it’s clear they’re at their very best.

2. Second unit dominates

On most nights, 61 points from the bench will win you game. That’s exactly what the Celtics got in this one. Though the sample size is small, the additions of Isaiah Thomas and Jonas Jerebko have proved to be brilliant. Jae Crowder is coming into his own with his role in the team. Chemistry amongst the bench players is high and their having fun while on the court. Their contributions will be key moving forward.

3. Evan Turner emerging team’s floor general

Turner has shown flashes of greatness throughout the season, but his triple-double was the highlight of the season thus far. He set up several of his teammates with easy buckets, while getting himself to the rim for a few of his own. The Celtics will have themselves a successful stretch run if he can contribute in a similar fashion on a nightly basis.