Boston Celtics: 3 Takeaways from loss to the Spurs

3. Brad Stevens’ Lengthy Rotation

The Boston Celtics called on 13 guys to take the court on Wednesday, with all players but Tacko Fall and Tremont Waters seeing action. The likes of Tatum, Smart, and Brown all saw extended minutes, playing more than 34 each. Walker finished with 27 minutes, following his minutes restriction.

After that, it seems like coach Brad Stevens is still in the process of figuring things out.

For the center rotation, Daniel Theis got the start, but only played in 12 minutes. Tristan Thompson, off the bench, clocked 23, while Robert Williams played 13.

Theis plays well with the four traditional Celtics starters, so it’s odd to see him get such little playing time in a game where he played reasonably well. He did get in foul trouble early, but he only finished with four.

Robert Williams had a very active 13 minutes, recording six points and seven rebounds, four of them being offensive. He fought on every missed shot, tipping almost everything that came near him. He has learned to use his insane vertical to his advantage, out-jumping anyone the Spurs put on him. With two other centers wanting minutes, it’s hard for him to get any more playing time, but he definitely deserves some.

On the wings, Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green led the pack with 14 and 13 minutes respectively, with Grant Williams recording 11. Green had one of his best defensive games of the year, with two steals, and seemed to always make the correct defensive play. He is also one of the best transition threats on the team, not backing down from anyone at the rim. Between Green, Ojeleye, Nesmith, and Williams, not everyone is going to get the playing time they want.

In this game, it was Nesmith–only getting five minutes–all in the first half. He only attempted one shot, missing a three, and he made no noticeable mistakes when he was out there. That’s good for his development, as he’s coming into his own after playing better the past few games. The Celtics don’t need him to come on immediately, with other rotation-worthy wings on the roster, but anything he adds this year is a bonus.

Finally, the backup guard position is in flux. Carsen Edwards got four minutes in the first half, then wasn’t seen again. Jeff Teague had another poor eight-minute stint and sat on the bench the rest of the game. The majority of the backup point guard duties went to Smart, who handled the ball well. Look for Teague to slowly move out of the rotation, as he looks lost on the court.

Stevens tried lots of things in this game, and he definitely learned a lot.

In a game where none of the Boston Celtics’ Team Shamrock 2019 Team USA quartet shot over 44% from the field, they had a chance to win it at the end. One different bounce and the outcome could be in the Celtics’ favor.

But that’s basketball.

Next, it’s the Lakers on Saturday night.