It is amazing what health and hot hands can accomplish. The Jay Walkers trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, assisted by Gordon Hayward, combined for 83 points, 19 rebounds and 21 assists to take out Lebron James' Lakers, 139-107. Make no mistake - this victory was vital and convincing. Brad Stevens, never one to overstate an issue, had this to say about his troops all being able to hit their shots in the same game (per NBA's Jimmy Golen):
Fortunate, indeed! With all of the injuries behind them, Walker, Tatum, Brown and Hayward shot a combined 30-of-57 (53%) from the field and 11-of-22 (50%) from beyond the arc. The Green's offensive attack was just too much for the Lakers to handle. Although Stevens mention of "fortunate" and "ball going in masks some things" infers his feeling that the foursome's accuracy had a bit of luck attached to it, and the play of his crew still needs work - but that's Brad.
This game had a landmark quality to it. This was Kemba Walker's first win over a Lebron-led team in 29 attempts (per NBA's Jimmy Golen):
What also needs to get mentioned was the significant contribution of Enes Kanter. His double-double of 18 points and 11 boards encompassed 8-of-10 shooting and six of his 11 rebounds being off the offensive glass. His offensive rebounding and scoring efficiency and effectiveness were certainly on display in the win.
With everybody healthy, we got a look at the rotation Brad is leaning towards going forward. Marcus Smart and Kanter came off the bench for 26 and 24 minutes, respectively. Semi Ojeleye logged 19 minutes, contributing five points five boards and one block. Grant Williams was only on the floor for five minutes, scoring three points and taking down three rebounds. Barring a trade, this may be the 9-man rotation we see when the entire crew is healthy.
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''We were fortunate to put the ball in the basket quite a bit,'' said Stevens, whose team shot 56% overall. ''The ball going in masks some things.''
Jaylen Brown with the dunk on LeBron 🤠pic.twitter.com/acREMvraKZ— Dante Turo (@DanteOnDeck) January 21, 2020
Fortunate, indeed! With all of the injuries behind them, Walker, Tatum, Brown and Hayward shot a combined 30-of-57 (53%) from the field and 11-of-22 (50%) from beyond the arc. The Green's offensive attack was just too much for the Lakers to handle. Although Stevens mention of "fortunate" and "ball going in masks some things" infers his feeling that the foursome's accuracy had a bit of luck attached to it, and the play of his crew still needs work - but that's Brad.
This game had a landmark quality to it. This was Kemba Walker's first win over a Lebron-led team in 29 attempts (per NBA's Jimmy Golen):
'I'm happy I got one at least, before he goes,'' Walker said with a laugh after the Celtics snapped their three-game losing streak. ''Who knows how long he can play, because he's just incredible. But you know, it's only one. One and 28.''
Enes Kanter was the X factor in tonight's game against the Lakers with his admirable performance in the paint, tallying 18 pts and 11 rebounds.— The Weekend Celtics (@weekndceltics) January 21, 2020
6 offensive rebounds
5 defensive rebounds
Kanter really provided much needed 2nd chance points to put pressure on the Lakers all night pic.twitter.com/weOdMXcDQj
What also needs to get mentioned was the significant contribution of Enes Kanter. His double-double of 18 points and 11 boards encompassed 8-of-10 shooting and six of his 11 rebounds being off the offensive glass. His offensive rebounding and scoring efficiency and effectiveness were certainly on display in the win.
With everybody healthy, we got a look at the rotation Brad is leaning towards going forward. Marcus Smart and Kanter came off the bench for 26 and 24 minutes, respectively. Semi Ojeleye logged 19 minutes, contributing five points five boards and one block. Grant Williams was only on the floor for five minutes, scoring three points and taking down three rebounds. Barring a trade, this may be the 9-man rotation we see when the entire crew is healthy.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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