The Boston Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets, 104-98


The Boston Celtics traveled to Charlotte for a matchup against Kemba Walker and the Hornets. Boston entered this game with a few question marks after a less-than-stellar start to the 2016 season. One of the keys coming into tonight was would the C's be able to rebound the ball. Up until this point, the team had been badly out-rebounded by their opponents.

To begin the game Boston was feeling it from deep, scoring all of their first 15 points from beyond the arc. A much faster start to this game for the Celtics, especially when compared to their other two contests.



Through the first quarter Avery Bradley hit his stride, ending with 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. While the Celtics as a whole, shot 60% from the floor with 8 total assists. At one point, with the lead being as much as 14, Boston was able finish on top, 28-19.

Early on in the second quarter, Boston's lead soon disappeared with an 8-0 Hornets run. Then quick buckets by Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown quieted the home crowd down a notch. Halfway through the second, coach Stevens had to get his struggling second-unit off the floor. After seeing the lead go down to single possession, all starters were reinserted. Even with their first-team on the court, they were not able to increase their lead. Going into halftime, the Boston Celtics were beating the Charlotte Hornets, 44-41.

Notable stats at the break include the glaring free-throw difference between the two teams. Boston having gone to line for only two attempts the entire half, while Charlotte had twenty-two. Also, all ten of the Celtics assists came from the starting five, while the entire second-unit finished with a negative plus-minus.

The third quarter began with both squads trading baskets, no one side really seemed to be able to break through. The Celtics were then able to drill a couple deep threes that led to a 10-point advantage. That double-digit deficit for the Hornets diminished quickly, as the home team fought back to tie the game, eventually taking a 72-71 lead to end the third quarter.

Here is a look at a nice finish by rookie Jaylen Brown:



Down in the fourth, Bradley continued his impressive overall performance with two big three-point shots that gave Boston back the lead. The offense generated by Bradley early in the fourth allowed Isaiah Thomas time to rest up for the final six mintues of the game.



The Celtics built another 14-point lead for themselves late into the fourth quarter, soon to be followed by a Hornets 8-0 run. Thomas then hit a tough contested lay-up, while Bradley nailed a dagger from beyond the arc. Finishing off Charlotte for the night, leading to a 2-1 record for Boston.

Player of the game: Avery Bradley




Follow Spencer Tawes on Twitter: @SWTawes







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