Boston Celtics: Primetime Warriors win player grades
In one of the best games of the year, the Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors in a 119-114 slugfest. Down by as many as 16, the Cs went on a 28-5 run between the second and third quarters, bringing the game back to within their control. They then went on a 16-5 run in the final 3:40 of regulation, winning by five points.
Winners of six straight, the Boston Celtics are beginning to look like a competent NBA team again. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker all playing their best basketball of the year, Boston is a dangerous team for anyone they face in the playoffs.
Without Brown, Evan Fournier, or Robert Williams, this game was going to be difficult, especially with the tear that Steph Curry is on. Over his last five games, the former-MVP is averaging 42.6 points per game on 58% shooting from the field and 54% from downtown. He went off for 47 points off his own on 11 threes, but it wasn’t enough, as the Celtics matched every shot with a shot of their own.
Let’s grade the members of the Boston Celtics after their impressive victory:
Boston Celtics Player Grades) Jayson Tatum: A+
The only reason why the Boston Celtics were in this game, Jayson Tatum did everything that the team needed him to do and more. Finishing with a stat line of 44 points and 10 rebounds on 16-of-25 shooting, 5-of-9 from three, and 7-of-8 from the line, JT scored the basketball at all three levels. He has continuously attacked the hoop more than ever before since the trade deadline, upping his scoring efficiency that extensively.
When Steph Curry scorched the Cs for 22 in the first half, Tatum went for 23. He was the answer to the best point guard in the league on Saturday night and stepped up with Jaylen Brown being sidelined with a non-COVID illness. Tatum was also a +12 in his 40 minutes of action, with the team being outscored by seven points in the eight minutes he was on the bench.
He often found himself on the floor in backup units with a combination of Payton Pritchard, Grant Williams, and Jabari Parker. This meant Tatum had to go to work as much as possible – and that he did – taking the reigns of the offense and leading his team to victory. Everything about this performance screams A+, so that’s the grade he’s getting.
Boston Celtics Player Grades) Kemba Walker: A-
A valiant sidekick to Tatum’s remarkable performance, Kemba Walker showed up in moments of his own, draining the dagger stepback 3-pointer with under 25 seconds remaining. The former All-Star shot 9-of-20 from the field for 26 points in 38 minutes. After beginning the season on a restriction of 25 minutes each game, for him to play all but ten is a great sign for his health.
Before the game, Kemba told Rachel Nichols that “this is the best he’s felt since he got to Boston.” That’s great to hear for every Celtic fan, as he’s never had an extended stretch of solid health since he’s been in green. Along with his scoring, he also recorded eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Walker hit three straight threes at the start of the third quarter, propelling Boston into the lead. Those types of stretches remind everyone what type of player he is capable of being – a third option that can take over the game. Look for Walker to continue his improved play in the coming games, gearing up for a playoff run.
Boston Celtics Player Grades) Marcus Smart: B
Marcus Smart has always made his presence known in close games throughout his NBA career, and Saturday night was no different. Grabbing the key offensive rebound and hitting a 3-pointer with a minute left in the game, Marcus did it once again.
In 37 minutes of his own, Smart finished with 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals. His shot wasn’t falling for the majority of the night, going 3-of-11 from downtown, but he hit the ones that mattered. On defense, although Steph went off for 47, he made almost everything difficult – Curry is just that good.
Smart has developed into one of the best passers on the roster, with a team-high six assists in this contest. Even though he was frustrating for major parts of the game, he delivered when it mattered – all part of the Marcus Smart experience.
Boston Celtics Player Grades) Tristan Thompson: C+
In his 28 minutes at center, Tristan Thompson didn’t make much of an impact – he only finished with two points and six rebounds. Boston didn’t look for TT at all on offense, with him only attempting three shots. However, he didn’t need to create, with both Tatum and Walker taking care of those duties just fine. He understood his role in the game and didn’t force anything.
In the first half, the Celtics interior defense was particularly poor, reflecting on Thompson’s overall performance a bit. Much of this was the Warriors feasting on back cuts and straight blow-by’s, jumping out to a 15 point lead. It ultimately didn’t matter, but Tristan did not stand out on either end.
Boston Celtics Player Grades) Semi Ojeleye: D+
Drawing the start for the sidelined Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye looked to hit some corner threes and provide solid defense. Unfortunately, he missed all three of his attempts from downtown and was abused on the defensive end.
Andrew Wiggins looked to back him down in the post, utilizing his spin move to get easy looks at the basket. With Ojeleye’s strength being post-defense, it wasn’t an encouraging game by any stretch of the imagination.
If Semi is supposed to be a 3&D wing and misses his shots while playing poor defense, that results in a poor grade and performance.