Over the last few weeks, the Celtics have been sensational. They’ve won 8 of their last 9 games, including huge wins over the Lakers, Heat, and 76ers. Boston has been able to maintain this success despite battling injuries. Enes Kanter, Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Daniel Theis have all missed at least one game due to injury over that span. So, why is it that the C’s have remained successful even with all kinds of injuries. Well, there’s a few reasons.
Gordon Hayward
He’s back.
After being the scapegoat for a ton of fans a few weeks back, Gordon Hayward has been playing inspired basketball. Over his last 10 games, Hayward is averaging 20 ppg on 50% from the field and 46% from three. To go along with his scoring, he’s also giving the C’s about 8 rebounds and 4 assists over that span. Hayward’s improved play has been a big part of Boston’s success. He’s been able to not only put up numbers, but he’s also making things easier for his teammates. Gordon has done a tremendous job of handling the ball and running the offense. After last night’s win over Orlando, Jayson Tatum had some praise for Hayward.
Gordon Hayward is finally getting back to the way he was playing at the start of the season before injuring his hand. Hayward being back to nearly his best is better than anything the Celtics could possibly do at the trade deadline. They’re getting an all star level talent without having to give anything up.
The Bench
Bench scoring has been a major issue for the Celtics for the majority of the season. It’s a weakness causing tons of rumors of trades that would give them some more depth. However, over this hot streak, the bench has been superb. Over these last 10 games, the scoring hasn’t exactly skyrocketed, but the efficiency has. The C’s have gone from 45% bench shooting overall to 50%. That 50% mark is the 3rd highest in the league over that span. The reason the points production hasn’t really gone up is because the Boston bench doesn’t play a ton of minutes. They average just 17 minutes per game which is the 7th lowest in the league.
One of the main reasons for the newfound bench success has been the play of Grant Williams
Grant has been spectacular over the last few games. He’s been making tons of hustle plays to give the Celtics extra possessions, like this sequence against Philly.
Grant also made a clutch layup Monday night against the Hawks putting the Celtics up 6 with less than a minute to play. In each the last two games, he’s put up 13 points and 6 rebounds. Williams has significantly improved his shooting since starting his career 0-25 from three.
According to Sean Grande’s stats, Grant has shot 40% from beyond the arch over the last two months, leading the Celtics over that span.
Once again, the improved play of Williams is almost like acquiring a new scorer for the bench. Of course, I don’t fancy him to be putting up huge numbers every night, but he’s showed he can make an impact defensively.
Full Strength
Of course, the C’s have been shorthanded a ton this year. Getting the team to be fully healthy is as important as it gets. That would leave a starting lineup of Walker, Brown, Hayward, Tatum, and Theis, with Smart, Kanter, Grant Williams, Robert Williams, and Brad Wanamaker available off the bench. That’s a pretty deep team, and I didn’t even include deep rotation players like Ojeleye and Waters who are able to make an impact when needed.
There’s a lot of talk about the Celtics running with 3 centers when healthy. Each player brings different skills. Theis can stretch the floor and defend the paint, Kanter can dominate the offensive glass, and Williams is super athletic and is able to block shots with ease. This rotation will give the Celtics tons of flexibility come playoff time.
Getting the team back to full strength is just as good as adding new players at the trade deadline. If they manage to get fully healthy, the Celtics should be able to fare well in the playoffs this spring.
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