Good job getting them turned around. 7-1 and since this post!
Nice run going...but let's be honest and admit the quality of competition during this streak is "light".......weak sisters, frauds, and teams playing back to back nights.
That being said, wins are wins and the C's deserve lots of kudos for winning with makeshift lineups against mostly full strength opponents; crappy as they may be.. The C's depth advantage over most teams has never been more apparent.
Love that The Brad has tinkered with his lineup and sent Brown and Hayward to the bench (when they were healthy). On paper, 5 stud starter/scorers sounds amazing, but as we have seem, this formula has failed 50% of the time (10-10).
Lineups need hustle/role players to compliment the scorers and Smart/Theis/Aussie Sniper/Morris have fit in seamlessly when asked to start. And with these role players, Boston's scorers don't need to be as selfless.
Going off on a tangent now....trying to make a point.
I hate movies packed with stars... like Oceans Eleven....for one simple reason: No dialogue flow. Eleven stars in a scene and each actor is given a line to say...one actor after another after another. It is a ridiculous formula and so contrived: a celebrity star gazing opportunity. I saw similarities with the Celtics starting 5 stars during their first 20 games. Your turn, now your turn...
Tangent over
Prior to the reshuffling, Morris was the only scoring threat off the bench and the second string squad was offensively anemic. Not now!
Brown can dominate 2nd stringers and the man has been launching himself toward the basket now that he has freedom and likely more confidence knowing he is more skilled than other teams' less adept bench players. Hayward is easily the best scorer on the floor in his subordinate role. Two offensive weapons coming off the bench. Perfect!
Then there's Tatum who wants so badly to be the next NBA superstar. When Kyrie missed a game, Tatum became the Alpha #1 scorer and he put on a clinic demonstrating his Kobie moves. With the more balanced C's lineup, Tatum will have more freedom and opportunities all over the court. Big plus.
We'll see how egos handle these lineup changes once the roster returns to health. Brown is clearly fraught with anxiety over this demotion and internalizing.
Young studs want to put their 3 years in and sign a max deal as quickly as possible. Brown's path is not as inevitable. His 20 points per night from the bench should be enough comfort....and lets hope he continues attacking the basket, regardless of his %. Getting to the line helps this team.
I do expect Hayward to see late game opportunities simply because of his FT prowess.
Haven't mentioned Max Contract Al yet...so I will. Haven't missed him one bit. With Kyrie and Hayward dishing assists, Al's best asset....dishing from the key....has been marginalized. And for what he brings to the table now....overpaid by 50%....IMO. The price of buying a center in the NBA
Bucks, Sixers, Memphis coming up in next 2 weeks....anxious to see how the "realigned" Celtics fare against these quality teams. I reluctantly admit Max Al will be needed.