For the majority of the season, the Celtics have struggled as one of the league's weakest third-quarter teams. Nevertheless, leading up to Tuesday night’s 127-123 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, there was a noticeable upturn in their performance during the third quarter, marking a significant improvement over the past seven games.
Prior to Tuesday night, the Celtics ranked first in offensive rating (147.1) in the third quarter, third in defensive rating (105.8), and first in net rating (41.3) over a seven-game stretch dating back to their loss to the Warriors on December 19. The Celtics averaged a league-best 36.6 points in the third quarter over that stretch while surrendering just 26.1 (third-fewest) – outscoring opponents by an average of 10.4 points.
Despite the recent improvement, it was the third quarter that doomed the Celtics in Tuesday night’s loss to the Thunder, as the C’s were outscored 40-25 in the frame, which enabled the hosts to build an 18-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Though quickly down 18, the Celtics came roaring back, trimming the lead down to just two in the closing minutes of the game with a 27-11 run.
Despite the encouraging display of resilience, the 18-point deficit proved insurmountable for Boston. However, two intriguing developments unfolded as the Celtics staged a late rally.
Payton Pritchard closes over Jrue Holiday
Despite the Celtics being at full strength, Joe Mazzulla elected to close with Pritchard over Holiday in the fourth quarter.
When discussing what Pritchard brought down the stretch, Mazzulla stated, “Good ball pressure, good physicality. Just brought a level of physicality to the game defensively and spacing on offense. I thought his presence helped us get back into the game.”
Although Pritchard didn't score, his intensity was a game-changer in the fourth quarter. He played the entire final period, finishing with three assists and two steals, showcasing his growth as a facilitator.
On the other hand, Holiday, who missed Sunday night’s game in San Antonio due to an elbow sprain, had a forgettable night. The 33-year-old finished with just seven points on 2-of-8 (25.0%) shooting and was a team-worst -15. Holiday ended with three turnovers, two of which came on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter before he was subbed out at the 8:16 mark.
The five-time All-Defensive selection also struggled with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the MVP candidate finished with 13 points on 6-of-9 (66.7%) shooting when defended by Holiday.
While Holiday has been terrific for the Celtics this season, off nights happen, so there is no need to overreact. The two-time All-Star isn’t going to lose his spot in the starting or closing lineups, but we did learn Pritchard is serviceable in such situations if needed.
Nevertheless, this is a testament to Pritchard and Mazzulla’s belief in him. After a bit of a slow start this season, Pritchard has stepped up big in his increased role, working as a facilitator and providing sparks off the Celtics bench. The 25-year-old has provided exactly what the Celtics were looking for when they inked him to a four-year $30 million extension prior to the season.
Jayson Tatum slows down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After the Celtics’ win over the Lakers on Christmas Day, Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham praised Jayson Tatum for his work on the defensive end.
“I think Jayson Tatum doesn’t get enough credit for how good of a two-way player he really is,” Ham said. “He’s a really smart defender.”
Tatum’s effort on the defensive end was a driving force in Boston’s late rally Tuesday night.
The Celtics had no answer for Gilgeous-Alexander Tuesday night, as the 25-year-old carved up Boston’s top-five rated defense, finishing the night with 36 points on 14-of-22 (63.6%) shooting and dishing out a team-high seven assists.
That was until Tatum requested to guard the former first-round pick.
“He had it going, so I just wanted to switch on him,” Tatum said postgame.
The 6-foot-8 wing bothered the smaller guard with his length, holding Gilgeous-Alexander to just three points on 1-of-4 (25%) shooting. As a team, the Thunder scored 13 points on 5-of-14 (35.7%) shooting when defended by Tatum.
Tatum has done a tremendous job this season impacting the game in ways outside of his scoring, reflecting the steps he is taking and the maturity of his game.
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