Celtics vs. Wizards: Three Stars

The Boston Celtics opened a home-and-home set with a surprising win over the formidable Washington Wizards.  Just like Rich said in his preview, breaking 100 points seems to be the magical formula to beating the Wiz.  Let’s check out the three stars of the game for the Celtics, who now own a three-game winning streak.

First Star – Rajon Rondo

Dec 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) is about to strip the ball away from Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second half of the Boston Celtics 101-93 win over the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Rondo logged a triple-double, finishing with 13-13-11, though taking 17 shots to get there.  Rondo pushed and pushed today – the pace worked early but he did have opportunities in the fourth where his aggressiveness nearly put players in positions to be in a crowd or be in a position to be called for a charge.  That’s the impact of Rondo, though, as seen by his string of fourth-quarter assists.  He will never stop pushing pace and there are times when that aggressiveness can lead to errors.  Rondo makes up for the near-charge on Green before Bradley’s three by being involved in the swipe on PP from the elbow.

Second Star – Avery Bradley

Dec 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) tries to strip the ball from Washington Wizards forward Kris Humphries (43) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

I like it when Avery shoots less.  I know by definition Bradley is Boston’s shooting guard, but his strengths should be defense and the corner three.  When Bradley shoots the long two, I dread watching him play because he’s giving the defender an advantage he does not deserve.  Avery played within himself and the offense today, hitting 5-9 FGs in 33 minutes. Four other times this year Bradley has played 33 minutes and has had more of a gunslinger attitude, jacking up more in each game versus today (10 on 11/8, 13 on 11/17, 18 on 11/23, and 12 on 11/28).  One of his misses today was nearly all the way down and would have represented a clutch late-4th three.  Luckily, Bradley had another shot a short time later where he took a Green pass and buried a corner three to put the Celtics up 97-93 with 37 ticks left (after PP missed a 25-footer 8 seconds earlier).

Third Star – Marcus Thornton

Dec 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Thornton (4) throws up a shot as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks on during the second half of the Boston Celtics 101-93 win over the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Jeff Green leading the team in scoring with 25, Marcus Thornton’s season-high 21points get him the third slot.  Marcus played an efficient offensive game sinking 3-4 from three, 4-4 from the line, while adding two boards and (hilariously) two blocks.  A game where he pours in 21 in 17 minutes (on 12 shots) is exactly why he’s in the rotation.  His threat of instant offense gives penetrators space and he rarely looked to force shots tonight.