Another home game and we are treated with Tommy Heinsohn's tweets. He was very excited for Avery Bradley's return and had some high praise for him before the game.
I agree with Tommy that Avery is one of the best on the ball defenders but I'm afraid this team needs more than that to right the ship. But it sure was great to see Avery back on the court. Tommy was optimistic about Pierce's hot shooting early. Too bad he didn't have the legs to continue it in the second half.
This tweet is worth noting because Tommy takes back his criticism of the ref after watching the replay. A rarity indeed.
Pierce worked on the boards last night, grabbing 5 of the teams 10 rebounds in the first half. He finished with 7 rebounds for the game. My question is this: if a 6'7" 35 year old can grab 7 rebounds, why can't a 6'9" or 6'10" or even 7' player (Bass, Green and Collins) grab more than 2? Rebounding take effort and we just aren't getting it from some players.
Avery Bradley is such a pest on defense that he does indeed get into players heads. He makes them think twice about making a pass or about where he is on the court. If only his defensive intensity becomes infections.
More on the Celtics rebounding. When a 6'1" guard can steal a rebound from the trees around him, something is wrong with the effort from the bigger players. Our bigs, other than KG and Sully just don't put out the effort on the boards.
I just love the way Sully is in there battling for rebounds. He doesn't give up. In time he will get more respect from the refs. He gets some bad calls from the refs. He just needs to keep battling and he'll be something special.
And tonight's Tommy Award goes to Avery Bradley. The kid hustles and works hard every minute he's on the court. I loved the Rondo to the cutting Bradley connection that resurfaced tonight as well. Glad he's back.
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