We can’t stop the Celtics, now victorious in 13 of their last 15 games, including this great success obtained within the TD Garden, once morest the Grizzlies (120-107)!
Under the impetus of Jayson Tatum (37 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists), superbly supported by Al Horford (21 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists), Boston thus raced in the lead almost the entire meeting. Relying largely on a still stifling defense, to extinguish Ja Morant’s Memphis (38 points and 7 assists, but 13/29 on shots and 4/12 at 3-pts).
Despite the injuries that affect (or have affected) Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Aaron Nesmith, the Massachusetts franchise still managed to deliver an authoritative performance tonight, so as to dislodge the Cavaliers from 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Which means that the Top 4 is now not very far away…
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Boston set the tone on defense. Overall, the Celtics weren’t worried regarding the night. And they can thank their defense, as often in place, very quickly. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane or even Tyus Jones can testify to this, those who have chained the bricks for a long time in the first half. The good defensive dispositions of Ime Udoka’s men also fueled their attack since, collectively, it was once once more pleasant to observe, with the many caviars of Marcus Smart. Finally, only Boston’s lost balls allowed Memphis to hope a little too long.
— Jayson Tatum’s beautiful birthday party. On the evening of his 24th birthday, the Celtics winger ensured in his role as leader of the C’s attack, notably scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter alone. A welcome blow of heat not to let the Grizzlies hope too long in the last act, they who tried to pick up the score under the impulse of Ja Morant, then Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. But, perfectly supported by Al Horford, “Taco Jay” held the house, thanks to his successes at 3-pts, mid-distance and in the paint. Without forcing, it is thus all his offensive arsenal that went there today.
— Even well defended, Ja Morant scores his points. In view of his catastrophic start (0/6 on shots) and his failed first half (8 points, 3/14 on shots, but a delicious new “highlight”), it’s already crazy enough to see the leader of the Grizzlies finish at 38 points, following having planted 46 then 52. First stifled by the Celtics, Ja Morant then gradually took the measure of Marcus Smart and Derrick White, scoring 16 then 14 points in the two last quarters, between throws, 3-pts and baskets in the paint. A too late awakening, however, even if it forced Boston to have to kill the game.
LES TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Al Horford. While Robert Williams and Grant Williams have also done a very good job in the Celtics’ racquet, none of them have been more valuable than “Big Al”. As a good leader of the locker room, the captain of the Celtic defense was absolutely everywhere. So much so that he seemed to find a second youth. And Horford didn’t take long before getting into his game, grabbing several offensive rebounds to put the C’s in control, in addition to planting a few baskets, from far and near. Complete, between scoring, rebound and creation, he was the perfect lieutenant of Jayson Tatum. Especially in the last act…
✅ Years Jackson Jr. If Ja Morant regained his senses in the second half, let’s not forget that it was the 22-year-old strong winger who was the most consistent on the Grizzlies side today. With his 20 points and 7 rebounds, at 9/18 on shots, “JJJ” was rather clean, approaching the circle for once to score his points, because his outside shot was not really settled (1/5 to 3-pts). Along with Steven Adams, Jackson Jr. was also invaluable in scraping some welcome offensive rebounds in this game. Solid, his good performance was unfortunately not rewarded with a victory.
⛔ Memphis shooters. The second period certainly allowed them to rectify the situation (9/19 at 3-pts), but it was their awful first half that especially weighed down the Grizzlies tonight. With their horrible 4/21 behind the arc, Taylor Jenkins’ men watered from afar, to say the least, during the first 24 minutes of play. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Tyus Jones, De’Anthony Melton… It was particularly ugly to see at times and, despite several good shooting positions, the Tennessee players did not succeed in anything in the field. To the point of finishing at 13/40 at 3-pts ( once morest 16/37 for Boston).
⛔ Aaron Nesmith’s injury. Decidedly, Boston is not varnished. After Jaylen Brown on Tuesday evening, it is indeed the turn of his replacement in the Celtic starting five to have to abandon his teammates, due to a sprained ankle. An injury that occurred very early in the match, following five short minutes of play, which caused Nesmith not to return for the whole evening. Forcing Ime Udoka to rely even more on his holders, without his usual rotation on the wing…
THE FOLLOWING
Boston (38-27) : Brooklyn reception, Sunday evening (7:00 p.m.).
Memphis (43-21) : Orlando reception, on the night of Saturday to Sunday (02:00).
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