Boston Celtics: Player grades from Game 2 victory over Nets
Boston Celtics player grades: Daniel Theis (B)
Daniel Theis had an impressive bounce back performance on the offensive end, scoring 15 points on only nine shots. He was finishing everything around the rim, as well as draining a few mid-range jumpers to help the Boston Celtics figure out their offense.
Theis can be utilized more as a traditional roll-man in the pick-and-roll, as he has relatively good hands and alley-oop ability at the rim. Against lineups with Nicholas Claxton at center, Theis should have free roam of the pain, as Claxton’s most traditional matchup would be Tatum.
Wednesday night, Theis had more trouble with Drummond on the glass, picking up a barrage of fouls early on. This didn’t stop him from playing 31 minutes, as he held a larger role due to Horford’s foul trouble.
On the defensive end, while he played better in isolation defense in the second-half, he still allowed Kyrie Irving to step into open jumpers against drop coverage. Sure, he missed quite a few of them, but when those looks start to fall, Theis will need to see the bench.
Problem is, he’s going to have to play with the injury to Robert Williams. Despite the defensive concerns, Theis’ offensive performance and touch was nothing short of encouraging.
Boston Celtics player grades: Grant Williams (A+)
Grant Williams had quite literally a perfect game for the Boston Celtics. Finishing with 17 points, Williams hit all four of his shots, including three triples, and went 6-for-6 from the free throw line. He carried Boston through their first half struggles, hitting multiple treys to bring them within single digits.
Additionally, Grant played above his size on the defense glass. Grabbing four offensive rebounds in 32 minutes was crucial to giving Boston more possessions to attack the undersized Brooklyn defense.
After an 0-for-4 shooting night from Williams in the first outing, he reminded everyone of his mid-March days, hitting practically anything that he threw up from behind the arc.
On defense, some thought he might be too slow to stay on the floor against perimeter players, but he’s managed just fine, being able to move his feet to keep up with the quicker Durant or Irving.
Don’t be surprised to see Williams start at the power forward position if Theis continues to struggle, as he gives them more floor spacing and defensive flexibility.