Boston Celtics: Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory for short-handed C’s over Toronto

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 3) Bench scoring

The Raptors are at the bottom of the NBA in bench points per game, as there is a depth issue outside of their starting five. Achiuwa and Boucher each score nine a game as reserves, but besides those two bigs, there’s not much production.

The C’s, on the other hand, are 25th in the NBA in bench points per game but have seen recent improvements.

In six straight games, Payton Pritchard has scored in double figures off the bench.

PP has shot the ball more confidently and knocked down at least three triples in five straight games. The former Oregon star has proven that he’s a very formidable backup point guard and has shot the ball extremely well down the stretch.

Derrick White finally had the efficient night Celtics fans were clamoring for. On Sunday against the T-Wolves, the former Spur posted 15 points, two rebounds, and six assists on a stellar 4-for-6 shooting from the floor, 2-for-4 shooting from deep, and 5-for-5 shooting from the charity stripe.

White was near perfection and his +11 rating helped show signs of improvement.

Those two guards have helped push the pace and pick up the tempo when needed, in addition to dropping buckets. While these shooters can be relied upon, there’s a void to fill that Aaron Nesmith could help with on Monday.

The C’s won’t need a large scoring output from the former first-rounder, but if Nesmith can be effective defensively and knock down a couple of shots, it could go a long way.

The minute that the Toronto starters take a breather, the shamrocks must push the pace and attack their reserves.

A solid bench output for the green and white could go a long way towards making it seven victories in a row.