Terry Rozier providing key contributions for Celtics bench

The Celtics need one of their bench options to become a scoring threat, and Terry Rozier is filling that void.

Heading into the season, the focal point of the Boston Celtics’ bench mob was slated to be either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, providing the reserve unit with a dangerous scoring option surrounded by three-point shooters.

But when Gordon Hayward‘s disastrous ankle injury in the season opener knocked him out indefinitely, the two were thrust into the starting lineup, leaving the likes of Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier to supplant the bench with scoring of their own.

Overall, this season has been a struggle for the Celtics reserves. The group ranks dead last in the NBA in field goal percentage while adding 30.6 points per game, the 23rd-highest amount in the league.

Rozier has been a primary culprit in his squad’s struggles from the field. Rozier has made an average of just 3.2 shots on 8.4 attempts per game this year, making 39.6 percent of his two-pointers and 36.3 percent of his three-pointers. On shots between 3-10 feet, most of which come via pull-up jumpers and floaters, Rozier is converting at a sorrowful 32.6 percent clip.

The last two games have been a revelation for Rozier, however, an example of his potential. In Monday’s 111-103 loss to the Wizards, Rozier knocked down a December high of four three-pointers, shooting 6-for-9 overall for 16 points while skying for seven rebounds.

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On Wednesday night in Charlotte, Rozier’s production provided little drop-off. He helped lead the Celtics to a bounce back 102-91 win over the Hornets, this time making a trio of three-pointers en route to 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting from the field. He contributed four assists and four rebounds in the process, increasing his defensive rebound percentage to a whopping 17 percent.

If Rozier can begin hitting three-pointers on a consistent basis, the Celtics bench could morph into a dangerous unit, something they were able to achieve against the Hornets. Rozier’s first three-pointer came from the left corner on a dime from Al Horford with 7:39 left in the second quarter, handing the Celtics a 42-24 lead. The second quarter has been a sore spot for Boston all season, but Rozier making shots like these helped turn the tides and secure a 32-28 second stanza advantage for the team against Charlotte.

Rozier’s second three-pointer came in transition with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. He showcased his ability to stop on a dime on the perimeter and bang a deep jumper, settling into the shot after being set up by a Smart feed on the fast break.

His final three was a massive one, coming less than a minute into the fourth quarter. With the Celtics holding onto a one-point lead after coughing up a large gap in the third, Rozier stepped into a straightaway trey with Jeremy Lamb‘s hand in his face and canned it, giving Boston some breathing room as they began the final frame.

Rozier also had a steal in the contest, and his work in transition was wowing. He kicked off the game with an impressive left-handed finish over Nicholas Batum on the break, and scored in transition again at the end of the third quarter. He garnered one of his four rebounds and would not be contained, bruising down the court and through two defenders for a bucket just four seconds into the shot clock.

A few minutes into the fourth quarter, Rozier spurred a rim-rattling jam by Tatum. While Shane Larkin rebounded a Hornets miss on the defensive end, Rozier sprinted up the left side of the court to create a two-on-one chance with him and Tatum. Larkin tossed the ball down the floor to Rozier, and he threw up a beautiful lob pass to Tatum on the right side of the basket. Tatum skied for the dunking finish, giving Boston a 83-77 lead with 9:47 to go.

Next: Celtics Mid(ish) Season Awards

Rozier stated his case for the MVP of Wednesday night’s win, being efficient from the field and dynamic on the fast break while getting his teammates involved. This will need to become habit if the Celtics wish to create another winning streak for themselves.

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