Jae Crowder gives Celtics a boost from the bench
Since moving to the Celtics bench for Tuesday's match-up against the Knicks, Jae Crowder has found his rhythm.
Crowder didn't top 10 points in any of his last 10 games in Boston's starting lineup. He's done so twice in 2 since moving back to the bench
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) February 5, 2015
In the four games leading into this week, "starter" Crowder averaged a little over 4 PPG. Coming off the bench in Boston's last two games, he has more than tripled that average.
Against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden last night:
And playing the Knicks in NYC on Tuesday night:
Jae Crowder came off the bench, played more minutes than he usually did as a starter and has scored 13 points with four rebounds. #celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) February 4, 2015
Worth noting, these performances do not seem relative to playing at home vs. playing on the road AND Crowder has strung this play together during a back to back with travel. It would appear his intensity is simply more potent when he isn't in the starting five. Also noteworthy is Crowder's move from small forward to power forward. Coach Stevens believes this shift for the Tuesday and Wednesday games was a catalyst to his improved production.
Brad Stevens thinks Jae Crowder has emerged the last two games because he's playing a lot of power forward.
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) February 5, 2015
Regardless of his place in the line-up or position on the floor, Crowder commented on his future with the Celtics post last night's win against the Nuggets.
#Celtics forward Jae Crowder said after the game he would welcome staying and growing with this C's team.
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) February 5, 2015
I know I'd like to see Jae stay and play (I'm a poet and I know it) for Boston. He definitely brings a spark off the bench and I agree with a fellow fan's sentiment, people enjoy watching him in green.
@scott_souza I think Crowder is the right place at the right time in his career. Fans will embrace his style of play. #Celtics
— Ty Ray (@coug88) February 5, 2015
Steph sidebar: There's something to be said for a player who embraces his team's city and appreciates the fans. Jae takes to Twitter quite often to comment on and celebrate the Celtics' efforts. Last night, his attitude was no different.
GOOD WIN FOR US TONIGHT GOTTA KEEP IT GOING.! THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT BEANTOWN.!! #CELTICSNATION
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) February 5, 2015
I like this behavior, a lot. While a team is re-building they are often simultaneously re-branding. A player who positively communicates to the fan base is in my opinion a welcomed building block and a good look for the Celtics brand. Tweet on, Crowder — tweet on.
Follow Steph on Twitter @stephmbenz