Was Brad Stevens Right To Ride The Bench Last Night? [Poll]
Poll time, Celtics Nation!
Early today, I discussed what I predict will be Rajon Rondo’s reaction to being benched by head coach Brad Stevens during last night’s exciting 133-132 loss in double overtime to the Washington Wizards.
Now, I’m looking at the game through Stevens’ eyes.
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Let’s face it: Boston’s starters were getting blown out by the Wizards last night, to the tune of a 23-point deficit in the third quarter. Rondo was completely ineffective to that point (0 points, 4 assists, 3 turnovers), and a quick look at the box score will tell you that every single one of Boston’s starting five posted a negative +/- rating against the Wiz.
When you contrast that to the bench, who set a franchise record by scoring 82 points last night, it’s easy to see why Stevens kept his starters on the sidelines to start the fourth quarter.
But to end the fourth?
And through the first overtime? And then the second?
Rookie Marcus Smart really put the Celtics’ reserves on his back last night, finishing the game with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and the sort of hustle that inspires his teammates to go out there and follow his lead. Evan Turner had a solid game, as did Kelly Olynyk. I commend their fight and never-say-die attitude . . . but do I agree with Brad Stevens when he said,
"No-brainer. Those guys deserved to play at the end because they got us right back in it. It was nothing against the guys that started, it’s just when you go from down 20, or whatever we were, to right back in the game, those guys deserve to play."
Do I believe the Boston Celtics website when it wrote, “Stevens continued to lean on Smart rather than return four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo to the court. Smart played 27:08 of the final 27:21 of the contest, and no one, not even Rondo, could question that fact.”
No, sir, I do not.
Your starters are, with some exceptions, your best five players on a roster. I applaud the bench for coming in and turning the tide of the game, but at some point, when the game gets close to crunch time, you need to get some of your starters back in there. Want to keep Smart out there because of his defense and hustle? Fine – sit Avery Bradley. Think KO is presenting better match-ups than Jared Sullinger would? All right. But to sit every starter except Jeff Green for the final 22 minutes of the game?
Man, I question that decision, especially when I was watching the Celtics blow leads in both overtimes due to shaky offensive possessions. I suppose the fact that Boston even made it into either overtime supports Stevens’ explanation, but I don’t love the lack of trust shown toward his starters.
But who am I? Just one fan in a sea of green. Vote, and either set me straight or have my back!