Celtics get back to business vs Kings: Reactions on blowout in Sacramento

All the Boston Celtics needed was a little adversity.  From their recent struggles on the court to all the rumblings around the comments and future of Jaylen Brown off the court, the C’s focus is getting back on track and preparing to make a run at Banner 18.

In the finale of a six-game road trip against the upstart Sacramento Kings, the Celtics everyone recognized showed up and played their style of basketball in a 132-109 thumping of the Kings.

With the return of Robert Williams as a major boost, the C’s thrived behind the hot hand of their two big stars as Jayson Tatum put up 36 points and Brown added 27 to end the road trip with a 4-2 record with the two blemishes coming against the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz.

Both of those losses symbolized how the team has a tendency of playing down to their opponents.  They also have a tendency of showing up against the good teams with Tuesday night being another example.

Boston Celtics return to form in Sacramento

With the offense buzzing and the defense playing solid during stints, the Celtics not only played with an aggressive style on both ends, but they looked like the team on a mission to get back to the NBA Finals.  If they play that way, watch out NBA.

"“That looked like the team I recognized,” Brown said following the game.  “We came out, we played 48 minutes.  We didn’t take our foot off the gas.  We took care of business, ended the road trip well.  Get back home and take care of business again.”"

In securing the No. 2 seed again, Brown and the boys in green need to take care of business at home and finish the season strong.  While the No. 1 seed in the East is still in sight, what is most important is shifting the energy and go into the playoffs playing Boston Celtics basketball.

While it was good seeing Brown and Tatum playing inspired basketball, another key element to the game was Robert Williams out there on the court.  This Celtics team is so much better when he is in the rotation, so keeping him healthy is key to a deep playoff run.

Robert Williams key in Boston Celtics mission for Banner 18

With 6 points and 7 rebounds in his return, Williams certainly helped shift the energy Tuesday night in Sacramento with his presence alone.

"“Just his overall presence and joy,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game.  “He doesn’t care whether he starts, whether he comes off the bench, whether he plays 20 minutes, 30, he doesn’t care.  He just brings a level of joy to the team and guys that play with him.  He just makes people around him better.”"

It showed in the blowout victory against the Kings.  In all, it is the spacing and versatility he adds on the defensive side that just makes the overall team defense better.

Another player who makes the team better is Derrick White, who neared a triple double in the game with 20 points, 10 assists in seven rebounds.  Those 10 assists was what stood out in White’s performance as he continues to be a positive on the court whether it is his scoring, passing or timely defense.

Again, in looking like the team we all recognized, the Celtics added to the frustration of some of those recent losses with the type of performance that shows why they are unbeatable when they are fully engaged.