Boston Celtics: Daniel Theis x-factor in series against Toronto Raptors

A balanced attack led the Boston Celtics to a Game 1 victory over the Toronto Raptors, including another strong effort by center Daniel Theis.

The level of play from the traditional position of center has been detrimental to the Boston Celtics over the last few seasons. Post play has at times been dismal as the Celtics suffered playoff exits at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Daniel Theis and his improved play provides good faith that this year’s Boston team can exorcise those demons from season’s past.

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One foe has been vanquished in the form of Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid was still a force in that series, but Theis more than held his ground in Boston’s sweep.

The numbers weren’t quite there (8.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) but if Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors is any indication, Theis is more-than-ready to rise to the next level.

Theis delivered on both ends of the floor in the 112-94 Game 1 victory against the Raptors. He posted a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds.

Though he did have four turnovers, Theis made up for it on the defensive end with two blocked shots and being a general pest in the middle.

This is something Theis has done throughout the 2019-20 season against the Raptors.

Boston now stands 4-1 against Toronto this season. Theis recorded double-digit points in three of those four victories and Game 1 was his second double-double. His one bad game was the lone loss, in which he only scored four points and collected two rebounds.

Theis has mainly matched up against Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. Gasol hasn’t done a whole lot against Boston in these five games. He had two DNP’s and his best game was in the seeding round in the bubble, posting six points and nine rebounds.

Ibaka has been more consistent, averaging almost 13 points and just over 8 rebounds. His best game was in Toronto’s lone victory, in which he put up 20 and 10.

Theis is a large factor in this, as are those who play behind him off the bench.

Rising up

In his third-year with Boston, Theis is not manning the middle alone. The Boston bench will play an integral part, including Robert Williams III.

Williams had little impact in the first round against the 76ers but he was the first man off the bench in Sunday’s Game 1 against Toronto. Initially, it looked like this might be the wrong call as Ibaka immediately knocked down two three-pointers.

Then we all saw Williams was indeed here to help and be an x-factor in his own right. He threw down a dunk off of a nice pass from Kemba Walker and was suddenly locked in. Williams finished with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal in 19 minutes. He was a perfect 5-5 from the field.

More efforts like this from Theis, Williams, and even Enes Kanter and Grant Williams will be needed as these playoffs proceed. And if the results are anything like Theis and Williams put up in Game 1, the Boston Celtics are in very good hands in the post.

A change that many are finally glad to see.