After winning four of their last five games, the Celtics were testing their current fine form against a solid Eastern Conference opponent in the Hornets.
In pain, and after almost conceding the robbery, Boston finally managed to gain the upper hand over Charlotte (113-107). A collective victory, since six C’s players finished at 10 points or more.
Opposite, LaMelo Ball (38 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists) did his best to avoid defeat for his team (the fourth in six games), but he logically had to surrender in the “money-time” , not without a fight.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— The Boston collective still responds. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown more discreet than usual, but still present to ensure victory, the Celtics were able to rely on their collective strike force to take the measure of the Hornets. The eight players used by Ime Udoka thus registered at least 5 points today, six of them finishing besides with 10 points or more. A new beautiful collective performance signed by the Massachusetts franchise, which therefore confirms its upturn at the moment.
— A record in the void for LaMelo Ball. On the eve of the announcement of replacements for the All-Star Game, the leader of the Hornets tried to demonstrate that he could perfectly have his place. Because, with his 38 points (not to mention his 5 rebounds and 9 assists), the Rookie of the Year 2021 simply allowed himself to break his career record. Untenable in scoring and brilliant in creation at the end of the game, “Melo” clearly floated throughout the evening for his people. Only downside: the leader of Charlotte lacked a regular lieutenant, because Terry Rozier, PJ Washington or Kelly Oubre Jr. were plugged into alternating current.
— A last minute better managed by Boston. At 107-107 with one minute remaining, the Celtics proved to be imperial in the finish to defeat the Hornets. In bosses, the C’s first went for two free throws, through Jayson Tatum, before the ubiquitous Robert Williams made a huge block behind the line at 3-pts, to annihilate PJ’s attempt. Washington. At throws, Marcus Smart also did not tremble, before the imperturbable Williams folded the case with a dunk on the counterattack, after another 3-pts missed by LaMelo Ball. game-over for Charlotte.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Marcus Smart. Mentioned in transfer rumors, the Celtics leader seems to have had nothing to do with it for a few days. Unless he wants to demonstrate that his leaders would be wrong to part with him soon, since the 27-year-old now remains on four good games. Including this one, against the Hornets, where he compiled 22 points and 6 assists, 7/11 on shots. Very good in the organization of the game and in an excellent evening in scoring, Marcus Smart was therefore one of the leaders of Boston today, alongside Josh Richardson and Robert Williams.
✅ Josh Richardson. The Celtics bench shone last night and “J-Rich” is clearly no stranger to it. Author of 23 points, and surgical at 3-pts (6/8), he was thus invaluable for his team offensively. First taking heat in the second quarter, with a 3/3 behind the arc succeeded in three possessions, then continuing its momentum after the break, instigating the “run” which allowed Boston to resume a ten points lead at the end of the third quarter. An excellent performance from the back of the C’s, whose name is also in some transfer rumors at the moment…
⛔ Boston’s ball losses. Superior to the Hornets collectively, the Celtics have never really managed to break away from the score. It must be said that the men of Ime Udoka, certainly particularly skilful (51% in shots and 39% in 3-pts), were constantly weighed down by their countless lost balls: 18 in total, including 7 for Jaylen Brown alone. Not easy, under these conditions, and despite 31 assists, to fly to the score or, at least, to hold an advantage. All the more so when Charlotte obtains ten additional free throws to compensate for her clumsiness (43% on shots, 16 bullet losses).
⛔ Miles Bridges. Dirty evening for the Hornets winger, completely passed through individually (6 points, 2/8 on shots) and who also had to temporarily leave his teammates, during the third quarter, to get a few points suture in the mouth after being elbowed in the face. A slight setback for the crazy dunker from Charlotte, who had shown incredible regularity since the start of 2022.
THE FOLLOWING
Boston (28-25) : trip to Detroit, on the night of Friday to Saturday (01:00).
Charlotte (28-24) : reception of Cleveland, on the night of Friday to Saturday (01:00).
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