Portland 94 Boston 88
This would have been a nice one. Coming back home after a decided loss again Memphis with a chance at redemption against another one of the league’s best. Boston led by 5 at halftime, but the second frame was a different story.
Portland gave Boston every chance to win this one. Boston had 12 Steals as a team to Portland’s 5. They also had the advantage 8 to 16 in Turnovers, and 95 to 86 in Field Goal Attempts.
The starters played well with the exception of Kelly, who registered no Points and 8 Rebounds in 27 Minutes. He and Sully had their hands full guarding Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldrige, as well as Chris Kaman off the bench. Rondo had 13, 8, and 6 with 2 Steals. Jeff and Sully each had 19. Avery, 13, on 6/18 Shooting (1/8 from Three).
This loss is discouraging because of the lackluster 2nd half. Boston had all of the aforementioned statistical advantages, yet could not parlay them into a W.
I love the Sully/Olynyk combo, and I think it’s a core foundation of the future. But Tyler Zeller needs more minutes. He’s the only true Center on the roster. In the Feel Good category of the game, Brad rewarded Bass 23 Minutes for his consistent play thus far (He had 8 and 8). I’m all for giving him more minutes, but with the intention of showing him off to potential trade suitors. If anyone is going to get traded it’s Brandon, because of his contract and because his value to a contending team. This way, Zeller can get his minutes and thus provide a little defensive consistency. The Cs are good on the wings. They can hang with most any team. But they need to protect the paint.
Next up is Chicago on Friday.
Homer Johnsen is a freelance writer and salvia hispanica (chia) farmer for the Namaste Bottling Company. His postgame Celtics reactions and beverages for purchase are available right here on HeresTheDealLikeShaquille.
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