Milwaukee was missing some key Bucks from the herd last night, so the Celtics 122-113 overtime win definitely has an asterisk next to it. But here are the bright signs I have witnessed thus far in the season:
Rob Williams has health, bounce and intensity
I see no hint whatsoever of any leg-or-knee issues in Rob Williams play. Last night, he logged 41 minutes, coming away with 12 points on perfect shooting from the field (5-of-5) and the foul stripe (2-of-2). He took down 10 rebounds - six of them off the offensive glass. He added three assists and three blocks, and he was all over the floor getting his hands on the ball constantly.
Marcus Smart has settled his game down
How important is Marcus Smart to the Celtics and their season? Last night, he logged a team-high 42 minutes, producing 19 points, six boards, six assists, three steals and tying RWill for plus/minus honors with a +13. Oh - and he hit 7-of-13 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His passes to both Grant Williams and Rob on consecutive plays in the second quarter were perfection.
Dennis Schroder requires a lot of attention from opposing defenses.
He just scores in so many ways, using his speed, quickness and smoothness to nail jumpers or score at the hoop. He was high scorer for Boston,m hitting 59% of his shots from the field for a team-high 38 points. NBA TV analyst, Hubie Brown, commended Shroder for his ability "to get to the basket off the dribble - with an uncanny way and smoothness - to glide by you and take the contact."
Jayson Tatum may end up as Celtics all-time best pure scorer
The late Tommy Heinsohn gave the nod to Paul Pierce as the Celtics top, all-time pure scorer - putting The Truth ahead of Larry Bird and John Havlicek. Boston fans can make an argument for any-of-that-quartet as the guy they want with the ball in the closing seconds of a close game. But from what I have seen thus far from Tatum, he very well could end up at the top of that category by the time he retires.
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