Red used to say...."This game is simple...you put the ball in the basket and keep the other guy from putting the ball in HIS basket." We have FIVE players on the court....TWO shooters (a shooting guard and a small forward)....A defensive forward who can get some rebounds, a shot-blocking, rebounding center, AND, especially, a point guard to distribute the ball to the man (men) who work hard to get open. Bob Cousy used to call it "dishing out the "sugar."
The Celtic coach finally caught on to that...in game five of their series with Washington. They had just got totally blown up by Washington in BOTH games three and four and desperately needed this game five win and they had to do it convincingly. AND...they did. the stats sheet tells the story.....In winning by over 20 points (holding that figure for most of the game) ISAIH THOMAS scored 18 points (instead of his customary 30 plus) but had NINE ASSISTS. ALSO, for the first time since LARRY BIRD the had an apparent point forward (Al Horford) who not only scored 19 points with nine rebounds BUT he also had 7 assists. AND...EVERYBODY got a shot at the ball...especially BRADLY who had a career high 29 points and kept hitting three pointers like he invented the shot.
EVERYBODY played their hearts out and MAY have turned the corner in knowing how to win a crucial playoff game. They DID play TOUGH, especially Marcus Smart and Jay Crowder who I see as the leaders of the team. Although he was little noticed, rookie Jaylen Brown played some tough defense and WILL get better with more playing time. I feel all he needs to know is just what, exactly, the coach wants from him.
NOW, let's hope this "magic" continues and the Celts can eliminate Washington and go on to give Lebron James and Cleveland a run for their money.
Coming up-----The ping pong ball extravaganza. What should the Celtics do if they get the Number ONE pick.....(the top two college players are points guards who can score and play defense. I'd be in favor of taking the player and then trading Isaih Thomas for a top rebounding/shotblocking center like this kid from the Knickerbockers....RED AUERBACH...where are you when we need you??
Don't worry, Danny Ainge will make the right moves.....Stay tuned...........