One of the numerous criticisms aimed at the Celtics this season is not knowing, and not playing, their individual roles within a team concept. Not so last night when The Green took out the New York Knicks, 101-99.
Jaylen Brown
Primarily, Jaylen is a scorer, and he did that - pouring in a team-high 32 points, including five 3-pointers. He also fulfilled his role on defense with 10 rebounds, two steals and one block.
Jayson Tatum
Marcus Smart
Marcus does his best work when leaves the scoring to those teammates better-equipped to do so and sticks to to defense, rebounding and facilitation. He did all of that in the victory, taking assist honors with nine dimes (and only two turnovers), while also grabbing four rebounds, one steal and one block.
Tristan Thompson
Tristan was signed by Boston to defend and rebound. He did that last night. NBA TV named him "Defender of the Night" with his three blocks, eight rebounds and a team-best plus/minus of +24. With Tristan Thompson back, the Celtics have two of the top eight players in the league in rebound percentage active for tonight's game. Rob Williams ranks sixth at 19.1%, and Thompson ranks eighth at 18.1%. pic.twitter.com/AbnaQcDWlS
Robert Williams
Playing roughly half the game (25 minutes), Rob still managed to take down 10 rebounds, five of which were off the offensive glass - in addition to blocking two shots.
This was only one game, but it was a win and the signs were positive. The road back from mediocrity for the Celtics doesn't have to start with a blowout win over a tough opponent Each and every player answering their their individual role calls may be all that is needed - and at least five of them did just that last night.
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