Four Leaf Clover: 4 takeaways from Celtics victory in Detroit

After a week off, the Boston Celtics bounced back in a big way. Boston went into Detroit and conquered the new-look Pistons 110-98.

You know what they say: the easiest way to forget a slide is to take a week off and come back with a win. After losing four of five heading into the NBA All-Star Break, the Boston Celtics went into Detroit and gave fans some Xanax.

The C’s look good again. It’s time to relax.

The Celtics weren’t the only ones re-grouping during the All-Star break. The genius basketball crew here at Chowder & Champions is always up for innovation and improvements. Here is the latest upgrade to our Celtics coverage: The Four Leaf Clover.

After each Celtics game, myself or whoever covers the game will be giving you four quick takeaways/moments/highlights/standout performances from that night’s game. I know, genius. Here is the first edition.

Get Well Soon, Aron Baynes

Aron Baynes played just two minutes on Friday before he left with an elbow injury. He has already been ruled doubtful for tonight’s game.

Hopefully, Greg Monroe and Daniel Theis can step up and Aron Baynes can get back as soon as possible. He doesn’t score a ton, but he does lead the league in defensive rating among players who have played at least 40 games. Monroe and Theis don’t bring that to the table.

Danny and the Bench-fish

Greg Monroe chipped in with 8-5-6. A Marcus Morris revenge game resulted in 15 points. Marcus Smart was able to avoid defenders and picture frames to get 12 points in his first game back. But no one contributed more than Daniel Theis.

Theis had a career high 19 points on 8-10 shooting off the bench last night. The German Freek led a bench that exploded for 65 points, outscoring the starters by 20. He knocked down 2 threes, got busy down low, and before you could say “wienerschnitzel” he was the leading scorer for the Celtics. With Aron Baynes’ recent injury, a little more Theis-Theis-Baby off the bench wouldn’t hurt.

Marcus Smart is Still Important

When Marcus Smart gets on the court, the Celtics’ energy changes. Clearly, they missed his play the last few weeks. He was diving on the floor, saving loses balls, and making all the plays that don’t show up on the box score. It sounds like a cliche, but that is what Marcus Smart brings to this team.

Another positive from Smart last night was his shooting. Marcus went 5-9 from the field and 2-6 from three in his first game in a month. Maybe the picture frame incident was a blessing in disguise? Whatever it is, let’s keep doing it. Marcus Smart with a shot could be one the best 3-and-D players in the league.

Rest is Key

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• Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
• Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
• Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule

Clearly, the Boston Celtics benefited from a week off. Passes were crisp, shots were falling, and the pace never seemed out of control. This is more like the team that we were used to seeing earlier in the season. Once the Celtics got in a groove, the Pistons had no chance.

To start the season, the Celtics played more games than any team in the league. Then, in the 43 days following the London trip, the Celtics went 10-9 against 13 playoff teams.

When a team faces quality team after quality team with only 1-2 days rest, the losses can only add up. This is going to change. The rest of the season features just 22 games and 11 of them against playoff opponents.

A lot more easy games and rest is on the way. By the time the playoffs come, the Celtics should be in as good a shape as any team in the league.

Next: Boston Celtics: 5 reasons Charles Barkley should not dismiss C’s

What’s Next?

The Boston Celtics get right back at it and continue their road trip tonight at Madison Square Garden. With Kristaps Porzingis out for the year, let’s hope they can pick up a win against a team trying to lose.