The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 122-119 in overtime today. The Celtics lacked energy throughout the game, which is understandable considering they already locked up the third seed. The Celtics found a way to force overtime as Jayson Tatum scored 5 points in the final minute. The Celtics made timely plays in overtime to secure the victory as their execution was great. Great teams find a way to steal games, and the Celtics played great when it mattered most. There are many positives from this game as Jayson Tatum was clutch, and Gordon Hayward is playing at an elite level.
The Celtics Are Getting the Best Version of Gordon Hayward in the Bubble: Gordon Hayward is playing at an elite level for the Celtics in the bubble, and it’s beautiful to watch. Hayward is starting to play as he did in Utah because he is being aggressive and attacking the basket. He is playing with confidence, which is something he has lacked since his ankle injury, as he is attacking the rim hard and finishing in traffic. Hayward had a great game, finishing with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Hayward was also highly efficient in this game as he was 12-18 from the field and 5-6 from the free-throw line. He is taking his game to another level as he has a balanced scoring attack. Hayward is scoring in different ways as he can attack the basket, hit step-back threes, and hit catch and shoot shots. This was a big game for Hayward as it was only the second time all season he scored 30 or more points. Hayward doing this as the Celtics fourth option is truly scary for the league because Hayward understands his role. After the game, Hayward said, “Our team is at its best when I’m aggressive and attacking.” This is a great sign for the Celtics because Hayward has bought into his role and is willing to do whatever it takes to win.
The Celtics Lacked Energy Throughout the Game: The Celtics lacked energy throughout the game as they were going through the motions. This is understandable as the Celtics already locked up the third seed in the Eastern Conference, meaning they have nothing to play for. Despite this, I would have liked to see the Celtics play with more energy because they had great momentum from the Raptors game. The Celtics were lazy on defense for most of the game, and they were giving up a lot of second-chance opportunities. I think the Celtics should continue to play hard, so they finish the seeding games strong. I want the Celtics to be playing their best basketball heading into the playoffs, so they have to continue to play hard.
Jayson Tatum Showed Why He Is the Celtics Go-To Guy: Jayson Tatum was amazing for the Celtics today as he carried the team in the fourth quarter and overtime. Tatum started the game slowly but turned it on late as he finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. In the fourth quarter, Tatum showed his value by finishing the game on a dominant run. In the last 45 seconds, when the Celtics were down 5, Tatum scored 5 points and blocked two shots to force overtime. Tatum took his game to another level as he was carrying the Celtics on his back. Tatum proved why he should be the Celtics go-to guy in the postseason as he was clutch on both ends of the floor. I want Tatum to take the last shot in any situation during the postseason because he is the best player on the team, and he is not afraid of the moment. Hopefully, in the postseason, the Celtics will look for Tatum late in games.
Robert Williams Has Solidified His Spot in the Playoff Rotation: Robert Williams continues to play great for the Celtics in the bubble as he seems to have turned a corner. Williams had a solid game today as he had 8 points, 3 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Williams is executing his role greatly off the bench as he is rebounding the ball and blocking shots. Also, Williams is highly effective around the rim as he is shooting 93% in the bubble. I think this warrants a spot in the playoff rotation over Enes Kanter for Williams because he is playing better. Williams is more athletic and a better defender than Kanter, which I think is important for the Celtics. Although Kanter can rebound the ball at a high level, he is too big of a defensive liability to have him on the floor in the postseason. Kanter was terrible today as he committed 4 fouls in 8 minutes of action. Williams can help the Celtics in the postseason because he can finish around the rim, and he can be a force on defense. I think Brad Stevens should look to insert Williams into the playoff rotation over Kanter as it will help the Celtics greatly.
The Celtics are now 4-2 in the bubble and locked into a playoff spot. The Celtic’s last two games are meaningless, but the Celtics should still play hard and continue to build confidence for the postseason. I would like to see guys like Gordon Hayward play in these games because I want him to maintain his rhythm. The Celtics play the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday at 5 p.m in what could be an exciting game.
Thompson's Takes 