Boston Celtics’ Bench Comes Through Against Minnesota

The Boston Celtics have already been without one starter in Marcus Smart. The injuries got much worse against the Minnesota Timberwolves as both Amir Johnson and Jared Sullinger were out of the lineup tonight. David Lee and Kelly Olynyk were promoted to the starting unit and the Celtics’ depth was going to have its toughest test.

The results could not have been better. The Celtics had one of their most complete offensive games and their defense was right there to back it up. Avery Bradley had a strong game with 13 points, Jae Crowder stayed hot with 18 points and Isaiah Thomas had a huge impact with 12 assists despite just scoring 8 points. The Celtics’ normal starters were strong but this game was carried by the bench players.

Kelly Olynyk was finally given a chance to start and he had one of his best games of the season. He had a team high 19 points on 7-10 shooting and was strong on the defensive end too. He had 5 rebounds and a block and was the main reason they were able to overcome the absence of the Celtics’ two best interior defenders.

David Lee, who has been struggling lately, had one of his best games as a Celtic. He finished with 13 points 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Lee was one of the Celtics’ best weapons on the inside and he overcame early shooting struggles. Lee did nothing spectacular but he held his own in a game where he could not afford to be a liability.

Tyler Zeller then lead the team off the bench with 14 points. Zeller had a disastrous start but he is starting to look a lot more like he did a season ago. Zeller was hitting his mid range shots and collected 8 rebounds which was tied for second most on the team. The Celtics’ forward depth has never been this challenged before and the moment the Celtics needed Zeller to step up into a significant role he did not disappoint.

Jonas Jerebko is putting his shooting slump far behind him. He pored in 12 points off the bench and, most importantly, was 3-3 from three point range. Jerebko shot over 40% from three for the Celtics a season ago and his recent resurgence is a huge reason why the Celtics have ben one of the stronger three point shooting teams as of late.

R.J Hunter was also given an increased role and while he struggled shooting just 1-5 from distance, his one make was the shot of the game. Hunter showed off his range with a half court buzzer beater but this game was not about offense for Hunter. Hunter’s defensive activity was phenomenal. Hunter lead the team with 3 blocks and also contributed one steal. Hunter’s defense has been the most impressive aspect of his young season and that is one of the main reasons why he continues to play over Terry Rozier.

The Celtics truly played like a team tonight and the results were universal success. The Celtics shot 51% as a team and 48% from three point range. The Celtics had an incredible 34 assists on 46 made baskets and the Wolves never had any answer for their ball movement. The Celtics continue to have some turnover issues with 16 on the game but their offense did more than enough to make up for that.

Dec 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) pass the ball to center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas and Turner both realized how well their teammates were playing and their distribution lead to one of the best offensive games of the season. Thomas had a game high 12 assists but Turner was just behind him with 10. Ball movement continues to be the key for the Celtics’ offense and with so many players hitting their shots the Celtics have never looked better.

The Celtics needed a bounce back game after three straight loses and they responded in the best way possible. The Celtics were strong on defense and they ran away on offense. They struggled to put together complete balanced games in their losing streak and that is exactly what they did against the Wolves. The Celtics will win pretty much any game they shoot 48% from three and hold their opponent to just 15% from three.

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 remain outside the playoff picture but they are right on the edge. This win should give them some momentum as the try to establish a wining streak in order to make up for their struggles last week.