Boston Celtics Hardwood News: Celtics Tune Out the Jazz in Utah
Behind Isaiah Thomas and Kelly Olynyk, the Boston Celtics outlasted the Utah Jazz Saturday night in the third of their 4-game road trip.
The Boston Celtics remained two and a half games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern conference with a 112-104 victory over the Utah Jazz. The Celtics did it behind the hot shooting of Isaiah Thomas and a solid game from Kelly Olynyk.
Entering the game without Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley, it was nice to see players like Olynyk step up. Against the third-ranked defense in the NBA, Boston got off to a hot start and never really looked back. Behind 59.2 percent shooting from the field, the Celtics jumped out to a double-digit lead that they kept through most of the game.
Thomas once again led the team with 29 points, Olynyk added 19 points and seven boards and both Al Horford and Gerald Green chipped in 16 a piece to help the Celtics extend their record to 35-19.
Overall, Boston played good team defense and was crisp on the offensive side of the ball. Thomas said the team knew they had to attack the basket heading into the game.
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"“We know they’re a really good defensive team, but we know if we can move the ball side to side, we can get their bigs out of the paint,” Thomas said after the game via the Boston Herald. “We attacked them in there and guys made shots.”"
Gordon Hayward led the Jazz with 31 points, but couldn’t help Utah rally all the way back from the Celtics nearly-perfect offensive output.
Notes & quotes
Jaylen Brown: Rookie Jaylen Brown left the game with a right hip strain. The injury is unfortunately for the No. 3 pick overall because he has been playing so well with the opportunity given to him. With the time missed by both Avery Bradly and Jae Crowder, Brown was inserted into the starting lineup gaining valuable experience.
Related Story: Avery Bradley Out Until All-Star Break
Brad Stevens on the teams depth via the Boston Herald:
"“You hope it helps build depth. A lot of the reason we’ve been able to do that is because of some stability and continuity of roster. Certainly there have been some additions, but guys know where to be, and when guys have filled in, nobody is trying to be Avery Bradley. They just have to be the best version of themselves and then we cover for Avery’s absence.”"
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The Boston Celtics will next travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks Monday night.