Final: Celtics: 102 Hornets: 89
The Celtics traveled to Charlotte and picked up their second win in as many tries sweeping the Hornets in their own building. For the second straight game crisp ball movement was the key setting up open shot after open shot. The Celtics piled up 25 assists on 36 made field goals and at one point had assisted 17 of 20. This game was pretty much all about the starters as they combined to score 83 of the 102 points.
Jared Sullinger made his return after missing one game with back spasms and picked up where he left off from a rebounding standpoint. He grabbed 10 boards to go with 5 assists, 2 steals, a block and 8 points on 4 of 12 shooting. Jae Crowder scored 19 points with 12 rebounds. He’s averaged 15.9 points per game since November 27th and 7.7 rebounds per game over his past 7 games. Kelly Olynyk scored 20 points with 9 rebounds including a highlight reel put back slam dunk. He’s been fantastic when aggressive throughout his young career especially this season as he’s put together some big games. Isaiah Thomas scored 18 points with 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Avery Bradley scored 18 on 7 of 14 shooting to breakout of his slump. The leader off the bench was David Lee who scored 10 points to go with 7 boards.
The win puts the Celtics at 16-13 on the season and puts them passed Charlotte for 9th in the Eastern Conference. It’s really clogged up right now as the #1 seed all the way down to #10 are only separated by five games. The Celtics get a couple days off before a back to back starting Saturday in Detroit then home to face the New York Knicks for the first time this season.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Mike Camaioni is a writer for OffTheWallSports. Follow him on twitter @mvcredsox87
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