Celtics (17-13) at Knicks (16-13) Game #31 12/25/16

[Bostoncelticsforlife7]

I swear man I get the best feeling when smart plays confidently and in control

[JaylenBrown7]

props to gerald green for staying ready and playing well off the bench

[Surferdad]

So what's it say that Rozier isn't playing and IT and Smart have clearly handled the ballhandling all game?

That he's expendable. Hopefully he'll get traded for a good big man, because I'm really tired of watching Amir Johnson on the court

For real. I still say a Noel for Rozier and a pick swap works well for both sides.

I agree, the deal would benefit both sides. It's just a matter of just time because Philly isn't going to let Noel walk for free in summer.

Right, which means the time is now, or at least before the deadline.

[MBunge]

Here's an example of why it is so hard to be a great NBA coach.

Going with Green over Rozier clearly worked but why is Bradley getting minutes when he's a non-factor?  Why didn't Smart just finish out the half?  These decisions are a lot harder than they look.

Mike

[SHAQATTACK]

Here's an example of why it is so hard to be a great NBA coach.

Going with Green over Rozier clearly worked but why is Bradley getting minutes when he's a non-factor?  Why didn't Smart just finish out the half?  These decisions are a lot harder than they look.

Mike

I'm wanting Brown on the floor as much as this team can endure and be competitive .    The more he plays the better he gets the higjerbhis value.

[TA9]

So what's it say that Rozier isn't playing and IT and Smart have clearly handled the ballhandling all game?

That he's expendable. Hopefully he'll get traded for a good big man, because I'm really tired of watching Amir Johnson on the court

For real. I still say a Noel for Rozier and a pick swap works well for both sides.

I agree, the deal would benefit both sides. It's just a matter of just time because Philly isn't going to let Noel walk for free in summer.

Right, which means the time is now, or at least before the deadline.

I think it will be before the deadline. Ainge is probably hesistant right now because of Noel's durability. I reckon that DA would like to see Noel catch up to game speed and avoid getting injured before trading Rozier for him.

[hwangjini_1]

couldnt watch the first half, only box score. i like the score so far.

tps for summaries of the first half please.

oh, and merry christmas everyone! 

[LilRip]

I missed the first half! Can someone provide a quick first half recap? Great to see that were up!

[esel1000]

I missed the first half! Can someone provide a quick first half recap? Great to see that were up!

Down early, KO and JJ suck at rebounding, can't shoot, Crowder hits three 3s in a row, all of a sudden everyone can shoot. I think that sums it up

Oh and we've gotten a lot of offensive boards off bricked 3s

[SCeltic34]

couldnt watch the first half, only box score. i like the score so far.

tps for summaries of the first half please.

oh, and merry christmas everyone! 

Break away from your family and attend to what's truly important: Celtics basketball.

1st quarter was OK until we allowed a 6-0 Knicks run to end it.

Created a lot of separation in the 2nd quarter behind 3 consecutive Crowder 3's, energy from Gerald Green and a 3 from him, and a 3 from Smart.  3 ball kept us in it.  Started 3-16 from 3, then they started to fall and we had a 34 to 20 quarter over the Knicks.

[straightouttabahstun]

I missed the first half! Can someone provide a quick first half recap? Great to see that were up!

Marcus Smart is great in the post and made a freak shot 3 pointer
Jaw Crowder temporarily turned into Paul Pierce
IT is the man
Horford is the man
Melo hasn't gone off yet
D Rose is leading everyone in scoring


 Overall, we were meh in the first quarter but improved immensely on the defensive end in the second quarter.

[SCeltic34]

Amir is also quietly having another solid game.  He gets bashed on a lot around here but I still think he's a good piece for us to have.  Does a lot of small things.  We definitely do need an upgrade, but I'm happy to have him on my roster if he accepts a team friendly contract.

[Phantom255x]

Sort of off topic, but anyone think Melo is out of NY next season?

Knicks decide to trade him?

Seems like they are going absolutely nowhere with Melo as the alpha and it looks like they will build with Porzingis and co...

[TA9]

I missed the first half! Can someone provide a quick first half recap? Great to see that were up!

Knicks are playing terrible defense, which has resulted in a lot of open 3's for the Celtics. We didn't knock them down in the 1st quarter, but the seven 3's that we hit in the 2nd quarter propelled the team to a 56-48 lead.

[LilRip]

TPs for the summaries CBers! Hopefully the rebounding sustains Coz I don't think the hot streak from the 3 ball will continue