Three Stars from Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers
With their back against the wall and the season on the line the Boston Celtics came out with one of their best victories of the season against the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics won playing Celtics ball. The Celtics had assists on a ridiculous 29 out of 39 of their shots. Ball distribution had the Celtics playing great offense and they did it with everybody and anybody that was on the court. 5 players put up double digit points and 6 players had at least 2 assists. George Hill probably earned himself a spot in the three stars but there are too many Celtics that earned a spot and most importantly, the Celtics’ contributions were not just in a winning effort but they were in a season saving effort. The Hornets and the Nets both came trough with victories meaning that even though the Celtics did not gain too much ground in the playoff picture, they avoided falling into the abyss.
Third Star
19 Points 2 Rebounds 2 Assists
Before the game started Olynyk looked like his eye got hit by a truck. He was listed as doubtful but he defied the odds and played in the game. No, he didn’t just play in the game, he took over the game. Olynyk had 5 points in his first 4 minutes and did not look back from there.His 19 points are tied for a team high but playing with just one eye each of his points were more impressive than anyone else’s points. Olynyk was one of the key players they gave the Celtics their commanding win over the Pacers.
Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) is congratulated by forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) after making a basket during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Second Star
19 Points 3 Rebounds 3 Assists
Tyler Zeller tied Olynyk for a team high 19 points and he did it about a efficiently as possible as he hit 8 of his 9 shots. Zeller was borderline unguardable. His jump shot was falling and Roy Hibbert was useless defending him in the paint. Zeller has been showing some incredible signs of being a great scorer and with his 55 shooting percentage getting a boost in this game he is arguably the best offensive weapon for the Celtics (especially when Thomas is struggling). Throw in that Hibbert was limited to 7 points on 3-9 shooting and Zeller is growing into a fantastic and complete player.
Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) lays the ball in the basket during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
First Star
13 Points 11 Rebounds 12 Assists
Pacers fans must be wallowing in sorrow wondering what could have been with Evan Turner. Okay, maybe not that dramatic but the fact of the matter is that this is now Evan Turner’s third triple double and while he has consistency issues he is really flourishing under Brad Stevens. Turner was mister do it all against the Pacers and the fact that he took 17 shots shows the kind of confidence he has in himself and the kind of confidence Stevens and his teammates have in him. With a 12:1 assist to turnover ratio Turner had a perfect game in Stevens’ system. He missed more shots than you would like to see but that takes nothing away from his superb ball movement and limiting the turnovers will ensure that Stevens will have no problem trusting him during this playoff push.