Boston Celtics Keep Rolling against the Pelicans

The Boston Celtics finished their five game road trip with a commanding victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, putting them back at three games above .500.  The Celtics had their ups and downs but played exceptionally well in the final four games of the road trip.

After losing to the Orlando Magic the Celtics finally found some balance in their game. Offense has become as important as defense to winning and it has allowed the Celtics to play their best basketball of the season.

After spending too much time with a team average under 30% from three point range, the Celtics have shot at least 40% from three in four straight games. The Celtics continue to lead the league in steals and remain top 3 in defensive efficiency, but the biggest difference on this road trip, and against the Pelicans, was three point shooting.

Isaiah Thomas has broken out of his slump and he punished the Pelicans early on. Thomas had 19 at the half and even if he only finished with 21 for the game, he also added 5 assists and had an incredibly low four missed shots. Thomas has done everything except maintain a strong shooting percentage this year but he might have had his most efficient game of the year against the Pelicans.

Thomas led the way on offense but Jared Sullinger had the truly dominant game. The Celtics went up against one of the top rebounders in the league in Anthony Davis, and Sullinger responded with a season high 20 rebounds. Sullinger has been rebounding at an elite rate this year and he is proving that he can keep it up against anybody.

Dec 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) and New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) and guard Ish Smith (4) scramble for a loose ball during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Celtics defeated the Pelicans 111-93. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics continued to prove how selfless they are. Nobody on the team had more than 13 shot attempts and they had 24 assists on their 40 baskets. The Celtics had 8 different players record an assist and even though 5 was the max, five different players had at least 3 assists. The Celtics looked to everyone to help on the offensive end and they got a huge boost from Kelly Olynyk.

Olynyk has been far too streaky this year. He has tremendous potential to be an impact player off the bench but he has disappeared in games this year. Against the Pelicans, he shot 8-13 a tied a team high 21 points. The Celtics have been searching for a solid boost from the bench since Smart got hurt and Olynyk finally brought what they needed.

The Celtics also continue to find a way to score in the paint. The Celtics know that they depend on easy baskets and 48 points in the paint and 24 points off turnovers are exactly what they need. The Celtics were careless with the ball at times as they turned the ball over 17 times but when they shoot close to 50% with 24 assists, then they can afford to have those offensive mistakes.

The Celtics ran away from the Pelicans and that was without thoroughly dominating with offensive boards and steals. 10 offensive rebounds and 8 steals are both well under the Celtics’ season average. The Celtics held their own on defense and they took over on offense. The Celtics had an opportunity to score against a team that has a tough time contesting shots and they did not disappoint.

The Celtics continue to find a way to play great basketball without Smart and that makes it even more exciting when he returns. The eastern conference is nothing like it was last year and anything close to .500 will leave a team outside the playoff picture. The Celtics are building their team and they will be in a strong position when Smart returns.

The Celtics came into this season with a lot of young and unproven players that needed time to get comfortable in the offensive system. Now that the players have had the necessary time they are finding the best possible ways to score. The results are speaking for themselves but the same question of consistency remains.

More from Hardwood Houdini

• Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
• Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
• ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
• Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
• Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?

The Celtics have proven that they can put strong stretches together but now they have an opportunity to go on a real run. They have an opportunity to go on a run that will give them some control in the divisional race and a little leeway in what will be an incredibly close and tough playoff race.