Boston Celtics: Grading key Cs and former Cs on Knicks after 2OT thriller

Boston Celtics SF/PF Jayson Tatum’s game grade: C+

It was night Jayson Tatum’s night.

The 2x NBA All-Star struggled immensely in the first game of the 2021-22 season, missing 13 of his 15 3-pointers and missing 23 of his 30 shots overall from the field.

He even slipped on the final play of regulation, though credit for his ability to maintain his dribble, avoid the turnover, and find a streaking Dennis Schroder down the floor, who made the key play of the night with the following Celtic’s game-winning 3-pointer…

Boston Celtics PG/SG Marcus Smart’s game grade: B+

Marcus Smart was the secondary hero of last night’s comeback effort’s due to his spectacular game-tying 3-pointer with the fourth quarter buzzer sounding to knot the game at 116 and extend the game to overtime.

He had a balanced effort overall (15 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and shot the ball well from beyond the arc (5/11).

Boston Celtics PF/C Grant Williams’ game grade: B+

You have to be ecstatic for Grant Williams’ fill-in efforts for Al Horford, the presumed power forward starter when upon return from a COVID-19 related absence.

Williams pitched in 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his 31 minutes of game-time. He also sported an efficient shooting slash (6/9 overall, 3/5 from 3-point line) in a game where he may have earned the backup power forward role.

Boston Celtics PG Dennis Schroder’s game grade: B-

Dennis Schroder made the play of the game in finding Marcus Smart for the game-tying bucket at the end of regulation. Overall, he didn’t shoot well, but his eight assists proved that Schroder is willing to sacrifice his own opportunities for the greater good.

Schroder appears to be buying in, as everyone appears to be given the dogged comeback efforts. That’s a testament to Ime Udoka’s culture.