Despite loss to Clippers, the Boston Celtics proved they’re a legitimate contender

The Boston Celtics lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 107-104 in overtime in what can only be described as the best game of the year. A defensive bloodbath, the Celtics proved once again that they can compete with the best teams in the league.

The Boston Celtics probably should’ve won this game, as they were up 94-87 with 2:21 left. The Clippers then went on a 10-0 run to go up by 3, until Jayson Tatum made the play of his young career to tie up the game at 97:

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1197386757756473344

He crossed and dropped Superstar forward Paul George, hitting the an impressive step back three. It doesn’t get much better than that. After Kawhi Leonard’s potential game winning attempt rimmed out at the end of regulation, the game entered overtime.

The Boston Celtics couldn’t get anything to fall in overtime, only scoring seven points. They found themselves down by three with 35 seconds left and without the ball. Then Marcus Smart did what he does best, and forced a ridiculous matrix-like turnover.

There seems to be some hate from fans directed towards Smart because of his offensive decision-making this game, but without his defensive prowess and heart, this Celtics team has no future. Then, Kemba Walker attempted a corner three to tie the game, only to get blocked by who else, but the reigning NBA Finals MVP Leonard himself.

Even though the Boston Celtics missed their first 16 three point attempts, they still wound up with a 42-40 lead at halftime. In what was mostly an ugly game, the Celtics dominated the offensive glass and the turnover battle in the first half, gaining many more possessions than the Clippers. The Boston Celtics ended up with 11 more shots than the Clips by the end of the game.

The Celtics shot 12 of 45 from the three point line (26.7%) compared to the Clippers 17 of 45 (37.8%). You rarely see games this close when one team shoots that much better from downtown than the other.

As for other stats, both teams tied in total rebounds (53) and assists (26), while the Clippers had one more steal, indicating the tightness of this game. The game also had 18 lead changes and seven ties.

Many individual Celtics struggled on offense, including Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown. Walker played 39 minutes, only racking up 13 points while shooting 4 for 17 from the field. Brown finished with nine points in 39 minutes, shooting 3 for 14 from the field and 1 for 8 from three. If the Celtics want to win games like this without Gordon Hayward, they cannot have both Brown and Walker have off nights offensively.

Jayson Tatum served as the brightest of spots for Boston’s offense, scoring 30 points on 12 for 24 shooting. He also grabbed six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. This was undoubtedly Tatum’s best all around game of the season.

Another off game from Marcus Smart on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 1 for 11 from three. When Smart is making the deep ball, the Celtics’ spacing is infinitely better. When he struggles, it can be frustrating, but he has proved that he can make that shot consistently, both earlier on this year and last year.

Daniel Theis also had one of the best games of his career, only scoring eight points but recording 14 rebounds (seven offensive), six assists, and three steals. He is proving again and again that the Celtics center position isn’t a dire need.

Moving to the bench, Brad Stevens again showed trust in rookie Grant Williams and second-year man Brad Wanamaker, bestowing them 20 and 27 minutes respectively. Wanamaker was the top scorer off the bench, scoring 14 while dishing five assists. Williams was productive on defense as a switchable body, especially against this loaded Clippers team.

Enes Kanter provided offense in the first half when nothing was coming easy for either team, scoring eight points in only 12 minutes. He split backup center minutes with Robert Williams, who scored four points in 9 nine minutes. The duo of big men can be useful to mix and match depending on the situation and match up.

As for the Clippers, Paul George, Lou Williams, and Kawhi Leonard combined for 69 points, more than 64% of the Clippers points. Patrick Beverely also proved to be a nuisance, acting as the Clippers’ version of Marcus Smart. He always makes the right play at the right time, grabbing a career high 16 rebounds while hitting clutch three after clutch three.

Even though the Boston Celtics didn’t come out on top, fans should be encouraged by what they saw. They didn’t have a good offensive performance, yet still found themselves in the game due to their surprisingly efficient defense — something not many saw coming because of the departure of Al Horford.

The referees certainly didn’t help the Celtics, upholding the questionable call on Theis even after a coach’s challenge, along with calling Walker for a blocking foul late in the fourth quarter. Even if the Boston Celtics didn’t get the benefit of the doubt, they still played well, showing Celtics fans across the world that they are a legitimate contender.

In what has been the game of the year so far, this had the intensity of a playoff game.

Finals preview, anyone?