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Boston Celtics Stay Fresh for Back to Back vs Knicks

By Joshua Bateman

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Boston defeated Detroit 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Boston defeated Detroit 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics stay nice and fresh for their second game of a back to back against the Knicks

The Boston Celtics could not have been pleased to see that they had to come out of the All Star break with an immediate set of back to backs. The Celtics have clearly benefited from getting additional rest and time this season, and they desperately need to turn around that stretch right before the break.

Fortunately, the first game against the Detroit Pistons could not have gone better to set up this second of back to back. The Celtics had a commanding victory, and their bench put in more work than the starters.

The Celtics have a roster that is completely fresh, and some starters that are ready to reward a bench who really did carry them against the Pistons. The Celtics did not have a single player play more than 30 minutes, and had only two starters play more than 25 minutes.

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The Celtics are going against the New York Knicks as fresh as they have been all season long, with no worries about how the back to back should impact them. Youngsters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum played 24 and 21 minutes, and Aron Baynes is the freshest, as he played only 3 minutes.

The Celtics do not have to worry about being limited in any way, and have all their options available to them. Even on the bench, Brad Stevens spread out the minutes brilliantly. Semi Ojeleye, Marcus Morris, Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier were all between 20 and 26 minutes, and Greg Monroe trailed just behind with 19 minutes.

Stevens allowed almost every single player to get back into game rhythm and establish great comfort after the layoff. And he did that without overworking everyone, making sure as many players are in the best position possible to repeat their performance against the Knicks.

The Knicks are a team the Celtics know they should beat, but they have not been able to take anything for granted this season. The Celtics need to stay focused and on point, and these quick back to backs should not hold them back in any way.

Next: Boston Celtics: Importance of Versatility

The Celtics are in the best position imaginable for back to backs, and you bet they cannot wit to hit the court again and start another win streak as they prepare for their final playoff push.

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