The Boston Celtics put up an incredible performance against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, beating them 126-94 at the T.D. Garden. It was a dominant showing from the defending champions, playing against a Clippers team that had been great defensively coming into tonight’s fixture.
The Celtics were led by Payton Pritchard (7-13 FG) and Jayson Tatum (7-15 FG) with 20 points each. Derrick White (6-12 FG) was right behind them with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Jaylen Brown (6-11 FG) dropped 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Kristaps Porzingis made his return tonight, with 16 points (6-12 FG), six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.
The Clippers were led by Ivica Zubac, who had a double-double with 23 points (11-14 FG), 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block. James Harden was right behind with 19 points (8-17 FG), eight rebounds, and nine assists while making 3-8 three-pointers. Derrick Jones Jr. was the only other starter in double-digit points, with 11 points (4-6 FG), two rebounds, and one assist.
The Clippers seemed to collapse against a Celtics team that was at full strength for the first time this season. Despite their five-game winning streak coming into the game, the Clippers looked amateur compared to the reigning champs.
Here are three reasons why the Celtics decimated the Clippers:
Clippers’ Inefficient Scoring Costs Them
The Clippers were abysmal from the field tonight, putting on one of their most inefficient performances of the season. As a team, the Clippers went 39-90 from the field (40.0% FG). But their biggest weakness was their three-point shooting, as they shot a poor 7-26 from deep as a team, making just 26.9% of their attempts.
The Clippers were just not able to make their shots properly, and it cost them big time against a game Celtics. Given their offensive efficiency this season, tonight’s outing was a huge surprise.
In contrast, the Celtics were highly efficient on offense, going 45-88 from the field (51.1%) and 22-51 from the three-point line (43.1%). The difference in efficiency between the two teams made a major difference in the game and was reflected in the 126-94 scoreline.
Celtics Have Excellent Playmaking Night
The Celtics had 33 assists as a team last night. This just shows how well Joe Mazzulla has taught the squad to share the ball and make plays for each other. They were led by the Celtics’ unsung hero Derrick White, who had seven assists in the game. This level of passing and unselfish play is key to any championship team.
The Celtics’ ball movement has always been a strength of theirs, and their ability to make the extra pass to get their team an open look is one of the most underrated facets of their team.
On the other side of the coin, the Clippers had just 18 assists, with James Harden contributing half of those assists. The Clippers did not share the ball well and weren’t looking to set up their teammates properly.
Considering the efficient scoring night Ivica Zubac was having, it would have made sense to regularly feed him, rather than attempt the three-pointer repeatedly on a night where the shots just weren’t going in for the Clippers.
Kristaps Porzingis’ Return Helps Celtics Defense
Tonight’s game marked the return of Kristaps Porzingis from injury. And he didn’t wait long to make an impact tonight. His return didn’t just help the Celtics individually on defense but seemed to inspire the entire team to step up their game. The Celtics had 11 blocks and 11 steals as a team tonight, showing just how good their interior and exterior defense can be.
Porzingis contributed two blocks, but the rim-protecting star tonight was bench option Neemias Queta, who had four blocks in the game. Queta had more blocks by himself than the Clippers had in the entire game as a team (three). He and Porzingis made an intimidating duo protecting the rim, forcing the Clippers to take more shots from the perimeter, leading to their poor efficiency.
The Celtics also showed their sleight of hand, with their 11 steals. This level of defense is just what makes the Celtics, at full strength, so dangerous. With Porzingis back in the fold, their defense took a massive leap tonight.
The Celtics will be thrilled with the dominant win over one of the best defenses in the NBA. But not for too long, as they must turn their attention to their final NBA Cup game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, 5 PM EST, from the United Center. A win against the Bulls guarantees the Celtics’ advance to the knockout round.
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