The Celtics won two games in Charlotte, and there’s a lot to unpack, especially with the Grant Williams incident. Let’s dive into what went down and how the team handled it.
Grant Williams Incident: A Test of Team Dynamics
Grant Williams found himself in hot water after a reckless foul on Jason Tatum. Now, I don’t think it was malicious, just a bit careless. But here’s the thing: it put Tatum at risk, and that’s not something to brush off lightly. Back in the day, this would have sparked a more physical response, but times have changed. The Celtics chose to move on, focusing on playing their game rather than seeking revenge. Tatum himself downplayed the incident, emphasizing the importance of playing the right way.
Joe Mazzulla sees these moments as tests of character. He wants to know if the team can maintain their focus and play style under pressure. It’s about resilience and not letting emotions dictate the game. The Celtics showed their strength by not getting sidetracked and instead, building a solid lead against the Hornets.
Tatum and Pritchard Lead the Charge
Tatum and Payton Pritchard were on fire in the second game. Tatum was aggressive, drawing fouls and living at the free-throw line, which was crucial given the Hornets’ lack of discipline. He racked up 29 points, despite struggling with his three-point shooting. Pritchard, on the other hand, was a revelation in the second quarter, hitting five three-pointers and helping the team build a significant lead and making up for the loss of Jaylen Brown to a hip flexor strain.
Derrick White also played a key role all weekend, contributing across the board with points and rebounds. The Celtics capitalized on the Hornets’ defensive lapses and lack of discipline, living at the line in both games.
The third quarter on Saturday was a bit of a rollercoaster, with the Celtics coming out sloppy and nearly losing their lead. But Al Horford and Jrue Holiday managed to regain control. Holiday’s clutch three-pointer was a turning point, stabilizing the team and setting the stage for a strong finish.
The Celtics’ ability to adapt and overcome challenges, both on and off the court, is a testament to their growth and maturity. It’s exciting to see how they continue to evolve and handle adversity with poise.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Check out today’s Mailbag episode of Locked on Celtics
- Celtics competition really struggling
- How the team built its trust
- Pritchard’s future in Boston
- Fixing the All-Star game
