Boston sweeps NBA's best defensive team in convincing fashion

The Utah Jazz's snail-like pace and stringent defense have typically held opposing offenses to an NBA low 96 points this season. But for the second time this year, the Boston Celtics poured in at least 112 points against the Jazz.

The first time was January 3rd, when Boston put up 115 points in an 11-point victory over Utah. The C's faced a tougher challenge last night though since they were not only on the road but were also without Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley who contributed a combined 35 points in their last meeting.

Even without two starters and with Jaylen Brown getting injured, the Celts were able to roll past the Jazz and put up the most points by any away team on their court this year.

Not only did they get the win, but they did so in convincing fashion by torching Utah from the field and finding ways to score in the paint against the Stifle Tower, Rudy Gobert. Boston shot a season-high field goal percentage and had one of the most efficient shooting games in the NBA so far this year:




The Celtics were not intimidated by Rudy Gobert down low. Gobert has been exceptional at protecting the rim in 2016-17. In fact, I wrote all about it in a previous piece that dissected Gobert and the Utah Jazz's league-best interior defense.

Yet, Isaiah was able to hold off the long arms of the Stifle Tower and have his usual way in the paint. Al Horford, Kelly Olynyk, and Amir Johnson were able to shoot very effectively against a team and player that forces a ton of misses:



The Celts have now scored two of the three highest-scoring games against Utah, the league's No. 1 defense:



If their offense without Crowder and Bradley can be this good against a top defense, is there anyone who can slow down a healthy Boston team on the offensive end when they are playing at their best?



Follow Erik Johnson on Twitter: @erikjohnson32

Photo by AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
Share