Top Three Take-Aways from Wednesday Night’s C’s Victory:
Parent’s Pin-Points One: Clanky Kanter Contributes
Tommy Heinsohn has looks more mobile than Enes Kanter these days. Kanter is not always not the most graceful of big men, though it’s more endearing (than an issue) when he’s healthy. His hip didn’t stop the big man from gutting his way through a game that reminds Celtics fans why he can be so valuable. That rim presence, soft touch, and goofy demeanor make up the first of Parent’s Pin Points.
Kanter finished the night with eight points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 21 minutes in Wednesday night’s victory. The lengthy injury hobbling him stems from diving for a ball about a month ago against Memphis. Hopefully, Kanter can get healthy for a playoff run, his soft touch and his hustle will be key for the Cs. The physical comedy he adds to games is just a bonus.
Parent’s Pin-Points Two: Versace Bathrobe Marcus Smart
This year has brought the Celtics the advent of Versace Bathrobe Marcus Smart. He debuted the look early in the year, setting a distinct tone for himself in the 2019-2020 season. The tone it’s set – F*ck you. He works harder, is better, and will play tougher than whoever he’s competing against and knows it. The fact he’s become a legitimate, effective perimeter threat is icing on the cake.
That tone was on full display against the Jazz Wednesday night. Smart finished just short of a double-double with 17 points and 9 assists, adding in the usual Marcus Smart hustle plays and defensive stability he’s known for. Versace Bathrobe Marcus Smart came out in full display in the fourth quarter. Smart rained down three triples in just over a minute, draining the life from the Jazz and sealing the game for the C’s.
Parent’s Pin-Points Three: Tatum’s Quiet 33 Points
After the flash of the prior games, Jayson Tatum seemed to have a quieter night. The box score tells a different story. He finished with a double-double on 33 points and 11 rebounds, while chipping in 3 assists. This marks his third straight 30+ point game on a gutsy three out of four west coast road-trip without Kemba Walker. If Tatum continues at this pace, there is no way to not involve him in MVP discussions this year. He has taken over the Celtics and emerged as a force since his All-Star selection.
Side Notes:
Robert Williams is almost ready to go. Coach Brad Stevens was building his returning center up in discussion before the Utah game Wednesday. Stevens mentioned 13-foot dunks casually, and while some may be hyperbole, Williams’ athleticism is undoubted. He will be a totally different look at the five once he returns, and he gives the Celtics a major rim presence both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
In ex-Celtics news; poor Al Horford. Joel Embiid is now out of the 76ers lineup for a currently unknown amount of time with a sprained shoulder. It seems the experiment is truly over. Philly let what was a solid core evaporate into what is now a big-man heavy team with no true identity after potentially missing the Eastern Conference Finals by a single shot. I’m sure if Al could do it all again, staying with the Cs might not have been such a bad option.
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