Celtics (20-6) at Kings (16-9) Game #27 12/20/23

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Thanks for staying up late posting this FL.

Sour taste from losing in the Bay Area in overtime. C's are fatigued, they're getting blown out in Sacramento who are well-rested. Take the money on Sactown -2.5.

Every time I say they'll win this game, they lose this game. On the other hand, every time I say they'll get blown out, they actually blow out the other team.

This rides with the opposition effect. 

[Birdman]

Wow didn’t see this coming but great!!!!! Hopefully everyone healthy against clippers & lakers

[scaryjerry]

JB has been passing the ball well lately.  I really hope he has truly taken that next step in his development.  Making other players better is what makes a player truly great.  And it's one of the hardest things to do consistently.

Very efficient game from him.  All of our starters were very efficient actually.  I'm glad we have two days of rest to prepare for LAC.

He’s been better than Tatum for a month now in my opinion but Tatum still getting the majority of the praise nationally because of his start to the season

[Neurotic Guy]

JB has been passing the ball well lately.  I really hope he has truly taken that next step in his development.  Making other players better is what makes a player truly great.  And it's one of the hardest things to do consistently.

Very efficient game from him.  All of our starters were very efficient actually.  I'm glad we have two days of rest to prepare for LAC.

He’s been better than Tatum for a month now in my opinion but Tatum still getting the majority of the praise nationally because of his start to the season

JB clearly had to make the biggest adjustment among rotation players with the advent of DW as an all-star caliber player and the additions of Holiday and KP.  It took JB some time and posters were having none of that. He was crucified and vilified daily - ripped on game threads after any mistake. The impatience was legendary.   
Recently, JB has seemed to settle into the role that many hoped for - not over dribbling as much, finding open teammates, taking opportunities given him by the defense rather than forcing his way through and taking bad shots and turning the ball over. . As a result, he’s been tremendous - really effective. Three weeks ago he wasn’t an all-star - today he really out to be. That said, he isn’t at JTs level. 

[Silas]

Last night's game tied the NBA record for most 3-pointers scored in a game by both teams.  Previous record was GS vs New Orleans in 2019...combined they shot 43 3-pointers.  Last night the Cs and Kings tied that mark at 43, with the Cs making 22/42 and the Kings making 21/44.  This is your new NBA. 

[satch]

The Celtics put hungry team players on the floor last night. There were no egos. You can't coach effort.

[celticinorlando]

Wasn't able to stay up for the whole thing but man I am shocked they won by that margin against a good Kings team and full strength.

I wish we had that effort every night. That was impressive.

[Donoghus]

Wasn't able to stay up for the whole thing but man I am shocked they won by that margin against a good Kings team and full strength.

I wish we had that effort every night. That was impressive.

The nice thing is that the next two games have favorable start times.

[celticinorlando]

Wasn't able to stay up for the whole thing but man I am shocked they won by that margin against a good Kings team and full strength.

I wish we had that effort every night. That was impressive.

The nice thing is that the next two games have favorable start times.

Thank goodness. Really want that Christmas day win.

[Phantom255x]

Porzingis is a difference maker. Even his presence can affect the game and make life tough on opponents. White is also a very underrated assassin. I'm not gonna be stupid and say KP-DW > JT-JB, but Porzingis and White are definitely gonna be the most important pieces to our potential postseason run.

They also need to prioritize extending White after this season. Still only 29 years old, and can do so much on both ends.

[Who]

Porzingis is a difference maker. Even his presence can affect the game and make life tough on opponents. White is also a very underrated assassin. I'm not gonna be stupid and say KP-DW > JT-JB, but Porzingis and White are definitely gonna be the most important pieces to our potential postseason run.

They also need to prioritize extending White after this season. Still only 29 years old, and can do so much on both ends.

JT > KP > D White > Jrue > Jaylen.

[Vermont Green]

This idea of how important each player is, was debated in another thread.  Relative to this game though, I think it was clear the importance of Porzingis.  Having a big with that kind of scoring skill on the court allows the rest of the team to rely less on the 3.  Porzingis in/out was not the only difference in the two games but we go from 58 to 42 3PA with Porzingis back on the court.  I credit much of that to Porzingis.  He had 6 blocks too.

Brown, White, and Holiday all had good games vs. SAC.  All are really good players.  All are also still improving and adjusting their games.  White especially seems to be improving in leaps and bounds.

[Vermont Green]

And I am glad to see my man Brissett getting some run.  With going 1-1 overall and 1-1 from 3, he is now up to 44% overall and 27% from 3.  Had 2 ORebs in 17 min, no turnovers.  Possessions baby.    Keep working Oshae!!

[RodyTur10]

Always suspected Pritchard would become an asset if he were given regular minutes.
Grant Williams would have remained a solid contributor if Joe had not frozen him on the bench.
This team could use Grant Williams -we are going to have to pay someone and give up assets to fill that void anyway.

Grant is doing pretty bad in Dallas. Our top 8 is clearly better than him. He would win the battle with Kornet, Brissett, Queta and Stevens for minutes. But you don't pay $13M a year for that.

[Donoghus]

Always suspected Pritchard would become an asset if he were given regular minutes.
Grant Williams would have remained a solid contributor if Joe had not frozen him on the bench.
This team could use Grant Williams -we are going to have to pay someone and give up assets to fill that void anyway.

Grant is doing pretty bad in Dallas. Our top 8 is clearly better than him. He would win the battle with Kornet, Brissett, Queta and Stevens for minutes. But you don't pay $13M a year for that.

Can't say I've really been watching games this season going "[dang], I wish Grant was still here".