Boston Celtics: 1 stud and 1 dud from C’s surprising victory over Miami

Boston Celtics stud: Aaron Nesmith

Yes, we’re well aware that there may be quite a number of players equally deserving, or perhaps even arguably more deserving than Aaron Nesmith to receive the moniker of “stud” from Thursday’s game against Miami but, frankly, we believe the sophomore’s performance meant far more than being known as just a solid showing on the hardwood.

It was a statement performance.

After having received a total of just 30 minutes played in total throughout the first eight games of the season, including three games where he was a coach’s decision DNP, the former 14th overall selection by the Boston Celtics finally found himself out of Udoka’s oddly constructed dog house and, in turn, wound up making the most of his new-found freedom.

Receiving 18 minutes of action, Nesmith showed off the efficient shooting stroke and solid two-way potential that everyone but the coaching staff was convinced that he had at the ready in his bag of tricks.

Knocking down several key catch-and-shoot treys and providing sound hustle on both ends of the floor, by game’s end the 22-year-old finished with a solid stat-line of 13 points, three rebounds, and an assist on 62.5 percent shooting from the floor and 60 percent shooting from deep.

Hopefully, this is the start of seeing the former Vanderbilt star and player who was an absolute monster in the preseason become a regular within a rotation that could certainly use for someone of his skillset.