The Celtics’ bench has turned into a strength during their current hot streak, Jay King of The Athletic writes.
Over the last nine games, Payton Pritchard has averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. Meanwhile, Sam Hauser has made 21 three-pointers over his past three games entering Monday’s action. Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman and Oshae Brissett have also delivered impactful performances.
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- DaQuan Jeffries’ contract with the Knicks, which he signed on Monday, runs through the end of this season with a team option for 2024/25, Fred Katz of The Athletic tweets. Mamadi Diakite’s contract with the Knicks, also signed on Monday, runs through next season too, but the 2024/25 salary is non-guaranteed rather than a team option, Katz adds (Twitter link).
- Lonnie Walker‘s minutes have dropped since Kevin Ollie was named the Nets’ interim coach but he’s trying to keep a positive attitude, according to NetsDaily.com. “I don’t think it negatively affects me. You might have your ups and downs, your days where you might not feel as much,” Walker said. “But for the most part, I got a great family around me that really supports me and I understand that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.” Walker will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
- Spencer Dinwiddie was given very little leeway by former Nets coach Jacque Vaughn before he was dealt and later joined the Lakers, according to Shams Charania. Speaking on the Run It Back program (video link), Charania said Dinwiddie “was essentially told in Brooklyn: No pick and rolls, no isolations.”
Celtics losing to Atlanta proves Mazzulla is not a good coach. Blowing a 24pt lead proves Celtics don’t have a play but just shooting 3’s. You live by the 3, you die by the 3…
Losing once in 10 games and you want to fire the coach? Really earning that reputation of Boston sports fans being entitled. Smdh
I’m just stating the facts. Mazzulla crumble in the playoffs. He also like using 7-8 players in the playoffs. The guy doesn’t trust the bench when playoffs starts. Thats why many NBA fans are saying top standings don’t matter when playoffs starts. The No.8 seed can be the Miami Heat, which we all know what happened last year.
Didn’t Celtics make the conference finals last year? Is that crumbling?
When do the players start taking some responsibility? Sorry if your team can’t win every year.
Quin Snyder is a great coach. Maybe you can hire him? Atlanta is at the top of the standings right? Or no, standings don’t matter…lol
Sure aka WestbrookMVP/HardenMVP… Everybody knows your other name id.
By the way Celtics keeps getting short in the playoffs. Imagine blowing up a 30pt lead against Atlanta without their best player Trae Young? Lol
I don’t have to imagine it, it happened lol
And don’t confuse me with other commenter on here. I am the true peoples champion the most valuable commenter on this website. Stay in school jabroni!
Now Atlanta won again without their best player Trae Young. I’m not surprised if the Hawks upset the Celtics in the 1st round.
Blew a 30pt lead!
Think it was a 31 point lead Celtics blew. Our first loss in 10 games; terrible. And we were without our two starting guards & lost by two points, not being able to score against their zone. And didn’t Atlanta win by shooting 50% from three? Nope, no use panicking and firing our coach who might, should, be COY.
So Thursday’s sort of back-to-back game, again at Atlanta, should be good training for the 7-game series ahead in the Playoffs. Especially for Coach Mazzulla & staff & ultimately for the Celtics players. Coach has to game plan how to overcome whatever happened to us in the dismal 2nd half against the Hawks. Go Celtics!
Now Atlanta Hawks won again without their best player Trae Young. Mazzulla plays…just shooting 3’s. If the Celtics face Atlanta in the 1st round, I’m not surprised if Atlanta will upset them.
No one talks about Cavs. They have gone thru a serious injury bug also. And are top three in the East. Do not dismiss the Cavs. Their young talent is still getting better.
Cavs won’t hold 3rd, it’s Knicks or magic at 3rd by the end of rs.
We know damn well we have the Cavs’ number. Seems unlikely we’ll see them this postseason, which is a bummer.
Like we owned BAL in 1971 and IND in 1995. Give away a game or two, and that can turn in a hurry.
Mazzulla is still the problem with the Celtics.
You dont need a PHD to see what other teams have figured out about the Celtics.
IF you run your perimeter players at the Celtics and have them play aggressive and physical man to man D, Celtics dont get good shots. Mazzulla’s entire offense is based on penetration by the ball handler or the PnR to set up to open 3s. When you push them out just a few feet, it disrupts the offense and its HERO ball for the last 5 secs and bad shots.
This happens quite a lot.
Knicks, Heat, Pacers all play this style of D. Bucks and Sixers not so much.
Mazzulla believes he can shoot his way out of any issue, he is wrong. That is concerning because the Celtics will face someone who will employ the aggressive pressure D and Mazzulla has shown he has no answers but jack up more 3s.
Also, can we stop with the PP hype, he still cannot guard anyone and he will be exposed during the playoffs. Listen, PP is a great O guy with his shooting, rebounding and ball distribution. He is primary #1 option for mismatches because he is small and cannot stop guys over 6’4″. His issue is the same as his rookie season, everyone is hunting him.