On Friday night, the Boston Celtics picked up a massive victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, winning by a score of 119-115. After the C’s were struggling through the first half, Carsen Edwards changed the energy of the game, helping the Celtics improve to 12-9 on the year.
Without Marcus Smart for 2-3 weeks, more guards have gotten opportunities off the bench on this west coast road trip. Even though Payton Pritchard returned against the Clippers, Edwards had a massive role, playing 30 minutes in the contest. He finished 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from deep. Coming into this game, he was averaging five points per game on 48.5% shooting in only eight appearances.
As of late, Edwards had been earning more playing time ever since the majority of the team was sidelined due to health and safety protocols. Early in this game, the Cs were struggling on both ends of the floor and needed an offensive spark. He kept the game within reach for the struggling Boston Celtics, holding the deficit to 11 at halftime.
Carsen Edwards has passed Jeff Teague in the Boston Celtics’ rotation
The second-year pro works reasonably well as an off-ball shooter next to other ball-handlers, mainly Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With both of those young wings improving as distributors and playmakers, shooting from the rest of the lineup becomes even more important, and Edwards has stepped up to the plate.
On the other hand, veteran Jeff Teague has greatly disappointed in his stint in green and white. Having another poor game on Friday, finishing with zero points on four shots in 17 minutes, the former Hawk provides nothing on either end of the floor. On offense, whenever he’s been on the floor throughout his lengthy career, he has operated with the ball in his hands. However, on this team, he cannot be looking to create opportunities for himself, as almost everyone on the roster is a better shot-maker at this point.
Therefore, what’s the point of having someone like Teague on the court when he’s a below-average facilitator, ball-handler, and shooter? Enter Edwards, who may have next-to-nothing in terms of on-ball skills, but has the ability to be an elite shooter on any given night. Hitting his first three threes against the Clippers, he showcased a little bit of what he did in college and in the NCAA tournament with Purdue. When he catches fire, he can pull up from anywhere on the court.
Just a few weeks ago, many Celtics fans were ready to give up on Edwards, willing to include him in any trade involving the massive traded player exception. At this point, it would be foolish for the Boston Celtics’ front office to part ways with him, as he has shown the potential to be an important role player that can play alongside Boston’s young core for years to come.
After the game, Carsen expressed his willingness to improve, stating “he has so much to work on.” He’ll certainly have the time and playing opportunity to do so after that performance, as the Celtics will play anyone that contributes to victories at this point in the season.
When the whole roster becomes healthy once again, expect Carsen Edwards to have a solidified spot in the rotation as a spark plug off the bench with Jeff Teague being relegated to garbage time minutes due to his current form.
At least, that’s what it should be.