An Eclipse: Celtics Engulf Suns

Celtics 132, 102

• Despite multiple videos of Jayson Tatum warming up and testing his ankle circling social media, he didn’t suit up for this game.

  • If you ask me, that was for the best. The more rest Tatum can get between now and the playoffs, the better.

• Joe Mazzulla leaned on a double-big lineup in Tatum’s absence, starting both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.

  • That decision worked great. Boston jumped out to a 12-point lead in the first 5:20, leading 21-9. Horfod had 3 points and 3 assists during that period. Porzingis had 6.

  • Therefore, the two big men combined for 9 points and 3 rebounds in less than 6 minutes — not too shabby, huh?

• The Celtics won the math game. They took 14 more threes than Phoenix and seven additional shots at the rim.

  • It’s hard to see how the Suns planned on winning this game when they lost the math battle in both key areas.

  • The Suns did win the mid-range battle, taking 28 shots in the paint and 9 at the rim, giving them a 42.5% frequency in the paint and restricted area.

• Jaylen Brown has looked a little out of sorts recently. However, he looked solid in this game. He moved well, used his burst when needed and showcased his strength to power through defenders at will.

  • I always enjoy seeing a physical version of Brown. I think he’s at his best when overpowering guys and forcing his way to his spots. That aggressiveness was a core part of his approach in the playoffs last season. I hope we see more of it.

• Baylor Scheierman. That’s it. That’s the bullet point.

The Takeaways

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