Celtics, in a fun battle, get their 6th consecutive loss against Clippers: 105-111
Photo credit: Robert Hanashiro / USA Today Sports |
That was an exciting battle (for a change) as the Celtics came back from double digit deficits multiple times, yet the game got out of reach early in the final period and the effort to comeback for another time fell short. Despite the Celtics' loss, the fans will have to remember this game all season long because Griffin's highlight pseudo-dunk (he doesn't touch the rim, dammit!) on Kris Humphries will probably be an NBA video editor's favorite. Oh, and Jared Sullinger got another flagrant foul call tonight, so he's on a roll and will be suspended for the next Celtics game unless his flagrant from last night is rescinded. It should also be noted that Sullinger came from the bench tonight either due to his hand injury or quick-temper, yet whatever the case, it doesn't look like it worked. He only had 2 points and 3 rebounds.
The most positive note from tonight was the Celtics backcourt (but do not forget that Chris Paul didn't play for the Clippers). It seemed like the Bayless trade lit some fire under Jordan Crawford as he woke up from hibernation with 24 points on 7-16 shooting, 8 asists and 2 steals. The most important part of Crawford's performance is that he went to the line 11 times and was aggressive all along. TRADE HIM NOW! Other members also looked good as Avery Bradley contributed with 24 points (10-18 FG) and 4 rebounds, and the new kid on the block, aka the other Jeh-rehd had 11 points and 5 assists. Bayless' shooting performance shows why the Grizzlies went for Lee instead though, he's been somewhat inconsistent and missed a few open shots. Jeff Green (14 pts, 10 rebs) also shone statistically with his double-double (yes, Green reached double digits in the rebounds column!) yet his foul trouble took away from his potential performance. Brandon Bass was his usual dependable self with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Oh, you wanna know how Gerald "oh-the-Celtics-are-all-talk->:(" Wallace did? 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 turnovers in 20 minutes. Yeah.
The Celtics will continue their brutal road trip on Friday against the Warriors, and will quite possibly move down another spot by the end of the weekend. The Nets are winning, the Knicks are getting it together even without Chandler, and the Cavaliers now have Luol Deng. It's all about perspective.