Boston Celtics Hardwood News: Celtics Earns Gritty Victory Over Upstart 76ers
Led by Isaiah Thomas and a strong defensive performance by Marcus Smart, the Boston Celtics held off the Philadelphia 76ers 116-108.
The Boston Celtics continue to put the pressure on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top sport in the Eastern Conference. Led once again by Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics extended their current win streak to four games with a 116-108 victory over the improving Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night at TD Garden.
The Celtics were a bit sloppy committing 22 turnovers, but had it going offensively with more hot shooting. Thomas poured in 33 points while the team got another solid offensive performance by Marcus Smart (21 points). Jae Crowder added 18 points and Kelly Olynyk 16 points to help the team improve to 37-19 on the season.
The 76ers, who were without big man Joel Embiid, were led by Dario Saric who scored 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
Overall, it was the defense of Smart that helped Boston fight past the 76ers on a night dominated by turnovers. The Oklahoma State alum had eight steals in the game, just one short of the team’s all-time record. Putting it together both offensively and defensively, Smart says has found a high comfort level in his third NBA season.
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"“I can honestly say this is the most comfortable I have been in a Celtics uniform,” Smart said following the game via The Boston Herald. “It feels good, not only for myself but to be able to contribute to this team in other ways. It’s definitely something I will continue to keep doing.”"
Notes & quotes
Fab Melo: The Celtics honored former first-round draft pick Fab Melo with a moment of silence before the game on Wednesday.
Melo was found dead in his home country of Brazil on Saturday. The former Syracuse star was only 26 years old. Although he was taken by the Celtics with the 22nd pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Melo spent the majority of his time with the team playing for the Main Red Claws.
Brad Stevens on play of Marcus Smart via the Boston Herald:
"“I think the last couple of weeks have been some of his best basketball and we needed it. We’re down a couple of bodies, and he is playing at a high level on both ends of the floor.”"
Isaiah Thomas on tying the team record for consecutive 20-point games via Boston.com:
"‘‘It doesn’t seem real for my name to be mentioned with such greats and Hall of Famers. It means I’m doing something well. And I’m just glad we’re winning on top of it.’’"
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The Boston Celtics will next travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Thursday night.