Boston Celtics Offense Wakes Up vs Clippers

The Boston Celtics got the offense they needed to end their losing streak

Boston was without both Marcus Smart and Al Horford on Wednesday night, but that didn’t prevent the Celtics offense from snapping out of its recent funk. The Boston Celtics made sure to spread the ball around from beginning to end, as the bench unit stepped up when Boston needed them most.

The Celtics got off to a better start on Wednesday than they did on night one at Staples Center, as they led by three after one quarter. Aron Baynes had 6 points and 4 rebounds in the first, which was a tremendous improvement coming off of a frustrating night against the Lakers.

Semi Ojeleye saw some increased time due to Horford’s absence, but was mainly relevant due to his four fouls in two-plus first quarter minutes.

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The bench unit came out in the second quarter and looked confident and comfortable out there, while holding onto the lead. This is something that hadn’t occurred during the four-game losing streak, so 15 second quarter points from the reserves was definitely a  reassuring sight for Brad Stevens.

The Clippers managed to keep this one close heading into into the second half due to free throw discrepancy, as the Celtics had 18 fouls compared to L.A.’s 6.

Boston’s team effort continued in the second half, as they managed to get a little bit of help from just about everyone. Theis, Ojeleye, and Nader were a combined 3/7 from beyond the arc. So when I say everyone, I really mean it.

Kyrie-less lineups were very solid tonight, particularly the unit of Larkin/Rozier/Theis/Ojeleye/Tatum. This is a much needed step in the right direction for the Celtics offense.

Jayson Tatum was aggressive and looked confident from the opening tip. For the first time in a while, he was able to effectively create off the dribble, rather than relying solely on his three point shooting. Stevens has to like him attacking the paint seeking fouls.

Looking at the Celtics offensive numbers as a whole, the numbers aren’t jaw dropping, but they were able to stretch the floor to create plenty of open looks. Those will eventually fall, so Boston should definitely take this as a positive.

Next: Boston Celtics Bench Needs to Stop Taking Turns

Of Note

• Kyrie has scored 20+ points in his last six games. He has 36 games of 20+ points, which ranks 5th in the NBA.
• Jayson Tatum had 18 points tonight on 7/17 shooting. That’s a new career-high for field goal attempts.
• The Celtics had five players in double figures tonight. Irving (20), Tatum (18), Morris (15), Rozier (15), Baynes (12).
• The Celtics forced 18 turnovers.