Nov 6, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates against the Washington Wizards during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics snapped their three game losing streak against the Washington Wizards, one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics (2-3) blew out the Wizards (3-2) 118-98 Friday evening at the TD Garden.
For the second straight game the Celtics were without second-year point guard Marcus Smart, who sat out with a toe injury. Though without their pesky starting point guard, the Celtics were able to keep Washington’s backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal contained.
Wall shot only 6/17 from the field, turned the ball over a shocking eight times, and got himself into early foul trouble early in the first quarter. Beal, his backcourt partner, did most of the damage for the Wizards. He scored a game-high 24 points on 9/15 shooting, which included 3/4 shooting from behind the arc.
Five Celtics players scored in double figures for team, who were ahead by as many as 30 points. Jared Sullinger led the Celts with 21 points (11 of which came in the first quarter) and made a significant impact with his shooting an ability as well as his knack for finding rebounds.
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For a team that has struggled with shooting and turnovers early this season, the Celtics were able to stay in the game even though they mimicked Washington’s up-tempo offense. The Wizards played fast, but struggled to hold onto the ball. Boston had 18 steals as a team and forced 24 turnovers by the Wizards.
Alas, the Celtics pulled through in a game that many fans were willing to concede as a loss before the contest even started.
Here are three takeaways from Boston’s victory over the Wizards.
Next: Takeaway #1
Sullinger was Boston’s best big man
Nov 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) and Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) speak during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Sullinger’s contribution to the team was outstanding and he’s solidifying himself as Boston best big, despite all preseason talk of how the team should trade him (I admit that I am guilty of this).
Sullinger’s shooting was nearly flawless. He shot 9/13 from the field and was punishing the Wizards both on the perimeter and in the paint. The Wizards challenged him to take outside shots and Sullinger made them pay by nearly hitting all of them.
Sully’s amazing 80.8 effective field goal percentage, which takes into account 3-point shooting, led the Celtics. In addition, his three 3-pointers improved his percentage from behind the arc to 46.2, which leads the team.
With regard to rebounding, Sullinger kept plays alive and contributed three offensive rebounds, which led to six points. His rebounding percentage was a game-high 19.5%. He was able to beat Washington’s big men to spots in the paint and got in the right position to grab rebounds.
Sullinger was literally everywhere last night. According to NBA.com’s player tracking, he ran a team-high 2.05 miles. He was diving for balls, fighting for interior positioning, and scoring from everywhere.
Here is a clip of Sullinger coming away with a loose ball and making an outlet pass from the ground to a running Isaiah Thomas:
I cannot praise Sullinger enough for the contribution he made to the team against Washington.
Next: Takeaway #2
End of the first quarter blues
Nov 6, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the ball against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Boston’s well-known first quarter woes were non-existent against the Wizards. The Celtics erupted for 40 points on an amazing 65.4% shooting from the field in the first quarter. The team scored more than the previous first quarters of the last two games combined. Perhaps this is the end of the Celtics’ fabled first quarter blues.
For a little while it appeared that the Celtics were in for another blowout opening quarter after the Wizards jumped out to an easy 6-2 lead after the team gave up three easy layups. Coach Brad Stevens called a timeout 88 seconds into the game and allowed the team to hit the reset button.
The Celtics quickly regained their composure and looked like a totally different squad. With the game even at 16, the Celtics went on a huge 22-4 run and found themselves ahead 38-20 with under a minute left in the quarter.
In addition to Sullinger’s aforementioned impact, Isaiah Thomas was another key piece of Boston’s hot start.
Thomas shot 4/7 from the field and scored 12 of his 16 points in the first quarter. Thomas’ pace and high-tempo offense rubbed off on his fellow teammates, who fed off of his energy and overwhelmed Washington’s defenders with their offensive firepower.
Next: Takeaway #3
The Bench tees off
Nov 6, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) celebrates a three-point basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics are one of the deepest team’s in the league, and that includes having a great bench. Friday’s performance against the Wizards was another indication that Boston’s depth is one of the team’s biggest strengths. Boston’s bench outscored Washington’s bench 58 to 33 and Kelly Olynyk was one of the main reasons why.
Olynyk led all bench players with 19 points and three 3-pointers. He filled out his stats sheet by adding seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block. He also owned a remarkable plus/minus of 29, which was the highest on the team.
Evan Turner was also another essential part of Boston’s bench in Friday’s game. Turner scored 16 points (including two 3-pointers), gathered six rebounds, and stole the ball three times.
He was incredibly effective because of how he was able to create his own shot (and make it). His mid-range shot was falling (4/6 on mid-range jump shots) and even made two 3-pointers, a feat that he last accomplished on March 22nd of 2015.
Next: Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas is the X-Factor
Lastly, Jonas Jerebko was another important piece of Boston’s bench. Along with his fair share of tip backs and gritty play, he scored six points, collected seven rebounds, and was +18 in 20 minutes. Jerebko didn’t do all the things that appear in the stats sheet, but he yet again had a way of getting the team going whenever he was on the court.