Celtics Succumb to Injury, Suns Win in Boston 111-103

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Celtics Succumb to Injury, Suns Win in Boston 111-103

The Boston Celtics faced the Phoenix Suns for the second time this season, this time at the TD Garden. The Celtics were already undermanned coming into the game as their center, Al Horford, has been out with a knee injury for the past string of games. This game tacked on the injuries. In two minutes of playing time, backup center Aron Baynes went to the locker room with an apparent hand injury. The report came back that he had indeed broke his hand, making Boston especially vulnerable inside and the Suns took advantage.

This showed up in the ending box score as the Suns outrebounded the Celtics 56-37. Despite this, the Celtics put up a great fight. Irving was his usual self, ending with 29 total points. Tatum pitched in 18 of his own, and Smart and Rozier had 12 points a piece.

However, this wouldn’t be enough to overcome their frontcourt deficiencies. This is not to take away from the performances of Phoenix’s Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. However, there was an obvious lack of pressure in the paint due to the injuries.

Where do the Celtics Go From Here?

It was no secret that the Celtics would face injuries this year. Horford is an older guy, and Baynes has had many injuries throughout his career. The question has always been this- what will head coach Brad Stevens do when they do go down? The answer to that isn’t simple. If the Celtics are losing to the worst team in the West, then there is more in store. Their best bet is to start Daniel Theis, who has been playing well recently, and pray that rookie center Robert Williams can be a positive on the court.

Other than that, allow the offense to outshine the defense. Push the pace faster than it has been all season. Box out and leak out so that the Celtics can beat opposing big men down the court. Lastly, and more importantly, Hayward needs to be more aggressive. The honeymoon stage is over. Last night was game 30 on the season, Hayward needs to step up or ride the pine.

Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving

To no one’s surprise, Irving plays great against the Suns. A team who has no real point guard on the roster has struggled against Irving this season. In addition, Ayton’s struggles in the pick and roll made it so easy for Irving all game.

Honorable Mention: Jayson Tatum

Looking Forward to the Next Game

The Celtics are in Boston against the Hornets on the eve of Christmas Eve (December 23rd). Kemba Walker was absolutely scorching last time these two teams met. Hopefully this time the Celtics come out with more of a will to win, and to shutdown the human microwave that is Walker.

 

Photo Credit

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