Celtics bench led by Daniel Theis has emerged at the right time
In last night's 109-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Daniel Theis scored 12 points with seven rebounds, one block and one steal. His per-36-minute projection over the past three games would be 21.0 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG and 1.7 SPG, a potential argument for his floor time to increase.
In three games since returning from the All-Star break, Daniel Theis is averaging 12.3 points on 15-of-21 shooting (71.4% FG) https://t.co/uWWoju5s2g
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) February 27, 2018
Daniel is not the only member of the Boston bench who has been responsible for the streak. Marcus Morris scored 13 points against Memphis while collecting eight rebounds and two assists. Terry Rozier had 15 points and four rebounds while playing his usual tough brand of defense. Marcus Smart had a bit of a shooting relapse (2/9 on FG's and 1/7 on threes) but did a fine job of shutting down his match-ups.
In three games since the All-Star break:
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) February 27, 2018
Boston bench: 153 points
Opposing bench: 108 points
(+15.0 pts/game)
With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the emergence of the Boston bench is certainly timely. The second unit has been criticized at times, primarily for inconsistency. That would be an issue in the playoffs when teams feed off any weaknesses of their opponents. We should look for improved play from newly-acquired Greg Monroe who had a DNP-CD last night. He is still in the adaption process. The subs have looked good since the All-Star Break, and hopefully, that will continue.
Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC
Photo via John Bazemore/AP Photo
