Boston Celtics Change Lineup in Win Over Nets

The Boston Celtics knew their starting lineup would have to be different with Evan Turner replacing the injured Avery Bradley but that was not the only change. The struggling Jared Sullinger came off the bench with Kelly Olynyk getting the start. The Celtics have one of the most cluttered front courts in the NBA and there is no doubting that Stevens is still figuring things out.

The lineup change worked in the sense that the Celtics came away with a victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The change also gave Sullinger a little spark who, despite not shooting great, still recorded a double double and was one of the Celtics’ most impactful players. Olynyk, on the other hand, did not do too great of a job taking advantage of his opportunity. Olynyk shot just 1-4 from three point range for just 9 points.

Olynyk played 34 minutes and despite being unproductive he still posted a solid +12 in the game. Olynyk is impacting the lineup in ways that don’t show up in the box score and that is certainly one of the reasons he got the starting nod over Sullinger. That being said, Olynyk is far from guaranteed to keep that position.

The Celtics have gone through plenty of different starters in their front court this year and Brad Stevens will have no problem going back to Sullinger if he believes that is what the team needs.

Stevens knew that the Celtics needed some sort of boost after having their worst two games of the season and he managed to get a win out of team on a night where they could not lose.

Jae Crowder was certainly the star of the game. Crowder took over on both ends of the court and did everything to ensure the Celtics held on to their victory. His 25 points are a game high and he did it on just 13 shot attempts. He collected 6 rebounds and had 3 steals. The Celtics needed Crowder to make a leap this year and emerge into a top player and it is games like this that suggest he is well on his way.

Isaiah Thomas also continues to be the most impactful player on offense. He struggled a bit shooting the ball but he still scored 19 points and kept everything moving well with 7 assists. The Celtics are at their best when Thomas is creating for himself and for his teammates and in this one he deferred to when he needed it and had multiple drives to the rim blowing by his defender.

Marcus Smart is also working his way back to his prime form. Smart came off the bench but was still give 24 minutes of playing time. Smart did not put up crazy numbers but contributed scoring, passing, rebounding and, of course, on the defensive end. When it mattered most and the Nets were trying to mount a comeback it was Smart who took over the game. He made key plays on defense and took control on offense including an incredible layup to help secure the game.

The Celtics kept themselves in the playoff picture but still have a lot of things to figure out with their lineup. Stevens will have to make a decision with Smart because keeping him coming off the bench may not be the best thing for the team. Then you look at the front court and there are any number of options.

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Stevens is doing a great job of balancing the need to win now while exploring all his options in his front court. As the season progresses these things will only get better for the Celtics. The Celtics continue to build chemistry and once they find a lineup and rotation that they are set on their continuity will benefit them greatly.