3 takeaways from Boston Celtics thriller win over Nuggets 108-102!
![BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1457df6d287f4da517675df9580b7c691ad040916b54d1584c76f6925ee01c02.jpg)
Boston Celtics takeaway No. 3) Ime sticks to his eight-man rotation
One of the classic criticisms of Boston Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, is not going deep enough into his bench. In this latest stretch, he rarely even plays more than nine guys meaningful minutes.
Despite the backlash, this shortened rotation is having tremendous success for Boston. The reality is a normal playoff rotation will only consist of eight or nine guys, anyway.
It’s easy to imagine that the new nine for the Celtics rotation will be Smart, Brown, Tatum, Horford, Rob Williams, Grant Williams, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Daniel Theis in some situational minutes.
Udoka has tried to appease us by “playing the kids”.
Honestly, it has led to no more than three occasions of the gino unit almost blowing the game. Ideally, even in fading minutes with large leads, we cannot completely trust those guys in.
Players like Aaron Nesmith, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet will look to change this narrative and prove they can make contributions.
As of right now, the Boston Celtics have won seven straight and are hotter than a pack of firecrackers.
You cannot mess with the rotation too much.
We have to praise the coach for getting this team to buy in defensively and improve offensively. Also despite much criticism, sticking with his eight-man rotation.
To close, Derrick White bleeds green now, Robert Williams is a rising star, and the eight-man rotation is more than fine for now.
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