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Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a Monday night win in OKC

By Austin DeCouta

Nov 20, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) dives for a loose ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) dives for a loose ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics key to Victory No. 2) Strong bench performance

With Monday night serving as the third game in the last four days for Boston, the C’s could use another bench spark, similar to the one they received on Sunday night.

Against Denver, Boston piled on 43 points from the bench unit, including a sensational 17 from Payton Pritchard on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance from the field and 5-for-5 shooting from long range.

Monday night could see the bench unit be relied upon heavily again. It remains to be seen whether Al Horford will receive the night off as this would be quite the stretch of games for the 35-year-old to start in.

Even if Al plays, the bench unit could be asked to take on more minutes and help to aid the starting five. If the bench unit can produce well enough, coach Udoka could get his starters more rest in tonight’s game.

Jaylen Brown logged 34 minutes and Jayson Tatum 32 against the Nuggets. A strong bench performance would not only help the Celtics win tonight’s game but help them for the week ahead by getting the Jays some rest.

Grant Williams continues to play well and tonight could be a chance for the former Vol to build off of last night’s strong outing. With more minutes possibly ahead, Grant could make a big impact in the Monday night affair.

Derrick White is still searching for his shot but has been an important piece to ball movement and defensive energy. Tonight could be a “get right” game for White, as I wouldn’t be surprised to see the former Spur get a few extra looks.

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