Three Stars: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics had seven players score in double digits in their 117-78 annihilation of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although the game was meaningless to Cleveland, denoted by the fact that they sat LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and J.R. Smith, there was plenty to like for Boston fans.

The Boston bigs surprisingly held Cleveland to just 30 points in the paint. The Celtics also managed to put up 36 points on 25 turnovers, while allowing just four points on nine turnovers. In a game where the Celtics spread the ball like they did, and each player had their moments of greatness, it’s hard to narrow it down to just three stars.

Third Star

Marcus Smart

7 Points 2 Assists 4 Steals

Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Smart’s stat line doesn’t exactly jump off the paper in this one. His offensive game remains shaky, seemingly fluctuating on a game-by-game basis. After an extremely efficient shooting night on Friday, he came up shooting 33% against the Cavs. However, Smart continues to impress on the defensive end of the court.

Four steals hardly even does his performance justice, as he was just a massive pest to Cleveland for the entire game. For any Celtics fan, myself included, who has had their doubts about Smart, especially after his low blow in San Antonio, games like this should reassure you. He also led the team in +/- with a +35.

Second Star

Kelly Olynyk

10 Points 7 Rebounds 1 Assist

Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) defends against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to pick just one Boston big as a star in this game. All 5 played extremely solid games and looked like their normal consistent selves. Even Sullinger played some good minutes today for the first time since his injury. Zeller had a massive dunk in the first quarter that got the Garden rocking. Jerebko hustled up and down the floor, per usual, and shot a very consistent 4-7 from the floor including 2-3 from behind the arc.

Through them all, however, Olynyk seemed like the biggest threat out there on the floor. He led the Boston bigs in +/- with a +28, and was also one of three Celtics with seven rebounds. Perhaps Olynyks biggest contribution was his three offensive rebounds. Any time a player is stacking up offensive rebounds is a testament to their hustle. Both Olynyk and Jerebko have been really good lately with getting up and knocking the ball back out to the perimeter, generating second chance opportunities. The second quarter alley-oop was also a pretty large factor in the decision to make Kelly the second star.

First Star

Isaiah Thomas

17 Points 2 Rebounds 6 Assists

Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

I would absolutely hate to guard Isaiah Thomas. You either let him get by you, or you end up fouling him. He leaves you no other option. His style of play seems so obnoxious to defend but it is so extraordinarily efficient. Thomas finished this game with a +25 in 22 minutes, showing off the fact that Thomas basically either gets to the hoop, gets fouled, or creates a strong chance for another Celtic.

Boston has been coming out pretty hot in the first quarter, typically led by Avery Bradley, but when Thomas enters the game they just kick it up to another level. Everyone in Boston is dying to see what Thomas can do to make some noise in the first round of the playoffs (knock on wood), and they should be. Thomas’ skill set is also particularly valuable on a team that frequently has a tough time penetrating the paint.

Bradley and Smart don’t do a whole lot of driving to the hoop, which is less helpful for a team which spaces the floor like the Celtics. Thomas play style fits well with the shooting bigs, like Jerebko and Olynyk, and it’s why these players have been finishing with the highest +/- ratings.

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