The Celtics efficiency on both sides of the court was on full display, as was their potential when they’re clicking on all cylinders.
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Isaiah Thomas, who flew from Chicago to Tacoma, Washington, to attend the funeral of his sister, Chyna, on Saturday before flying back late Saturday night, scored 12 of his 33 points and Jae Crowder 11 of his playoff career-high 24 in the 36-16 third quarter.
Fantasy Impact Beal has seen similar postseason production to John Wall at a lower DFS asking price, averaging only one point per game less than Wall. “We know they’re going to shoot a lot and they (hit) more than what they shot in the regular season”.
The Celtics outscored the Wizards 71-42 over the second and third quarters.
Isaiah Thomas underwent dental surgery to replace the upper front tooth he lost in the first quarter of Game 1 courtesy of an elbow from the Washington Wizards’ Otto Porter Jr. In Game 2, Rondo put together a game-changing performance with 11 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists, and five steals.
“We need him to continue to be really good, whether he’s playing at the four or the five he’s a big part of our team”, said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.
The Clippers got bogged down with a shot-clock turnover, a delay of game warning and Redick’s airball on a 3-point attempt while the home crowd went silent.
The Celtics went on to beat the Bulls in six games, prompting Thomas to spill emotion he’d kept pent up for days.
First it was Gerald Green, then Kelly Olynyk stepped up and even Terry Rozier played a role in winning the Bulls series.
The Celtics overcame a sluggish start as they trailed the Wizards 16-0 early in game one. Markief Morris had to leave the game due to a sprained left ankle in the second quarter.
Morris was booed for staying on the floor for so long to hold up the game. We’ve always played with our backs against the wall.
“It was quite unreal what he has done despite all the things he’s been through”, said Celtics big man Al Horford. Still, they know all too well that the success in Game 1 is no predictor of what will play out when these two meet again on Tuesday. “And never in my life have I ever thought about quitting”, Thomas said at the funeral, as reported by Masslive.com, reading from a cellphone with black shades blocking his tears. After losing his spot in the rotation entirely against the Bulls, he was thrust into this game during the most hard stretch, and he responded by knocking down a shot, creating another shot, and generating two steals. He gets six, seven, eight rebounds a game, but he blocks out.
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The former All Black was back to his playmaking best to the dismay of Stade Francais. Listed at 5 feet 9 inches, he has said he is 5 feet 8. Going at Thomas has been a given for opponents all season; he ranks last in defense among 86 point guards listed on ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus (-4.16). They missed the difference that Markieff Morris can make. “My tongue goes right through my tooth”. The Celtics star played through tears at times. Guess what Washington’s going to have to do in Game 2 to slow down this team?
