Celtics Outlast Clippers in OT: Three Studs and Three Duds
The Boston Celtics secured a hard-fought 117-113 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome. Both teams were shorthanded, with the Clippers missing James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, while the Celtics played without Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday.
Despite late-game struggles, the Celtics overcame adversity with strong performances from key players and solid contributions from their bench. Here are the three studs and three duds from Boston’s thrilling victory.
Three Studs
Jaden Springer
(20 minutes, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 4 steals)
Springer was the unlikely hero for Boston. Entering the game late in the third quarter, he made an immediate impact on defense, disrupting the Clippers’ offense and shutting down Kevin Porter Jr. His defensive effort included four steals, and he hit a clutch three-pointer with 34.4 seconds left in overtime to give the Celtics a five-point cushion.
Springer’s defensive energy and timely shot-making proved crucial in sealing the win.
Neemias Queta
(11 points, 4 rebounds, strong interior defense)
Queta stepped up for the Celtics in their depleted frontcourt. While not perfect, his performance off the bench included 11 points, four rebounds, and solid rim protection. His patience in the paint paid off when he scored the final basket of overtime to secure the victory.
Queta’s effort was a testament to his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations.
Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers)
(29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals)
Jones Jr. had a standout game for the Clippers, stepping up in the absence of their stars. He scored a season-high 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting and contributed in big moments. His seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals highlighted his all-around performance.
While his team fell short, Jones Jr. was one of the game’s most impactful players.
Three Duds
Payton Pritchard
(9 points, 4-for-11 FG, 1-for-7 3PT)
Pritchard had a rough night, taking several ill-advised shots and struggling from beyond the arc. He finished just 1-for-7 from three-point range and committed three turnovers, which disrupted Boston’s offensive flow.
While Pritchard is known for his range, this game highlighted the need for better shot selection.
Jaylen Brown
(25 points, 6 assists, 5 turnovers)
Despite scoring a team-high 25 points and hitting a key three-pointer in overtime, Brown’s performance was marred by costly mistakes. His errant pass in the final second of regulation led to a game-tying layup by Derrick Jones Jr., forcing overtime.
Turnovers continue to be a recurring issue for Brown, who had five in this game alone.
Baylor Scheierman
(6 minutes, 0 points, 0-for-2 FG)
The rookie struggled in his limited minutes, going scoreless and missing both of his three-point attempts. Scheierman’s lack of impact and inexperience were evident, suggesting he may need more time to develop in the G League.
Game Takeaways
- Defensive Impact: Jaden Springer’s late-game defense was a game-changer for the Celtics.
- Bench Contributions: Neemias Queta’s presence in the paint and clutch scoring bolstered Boston’s shorthanded lineup.
- Costly Turnovers: Jaylen Brown’s errors nearly cost the Celtics the game, highlighting the need for better ball security.
Celtics’ Next Steps
The win improves Boston’s record to 31-13, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league. Despite the victory, late-game execution and turnovers remain areas for improvement as the Celtics prepare for upcoming matchups.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official game statistics and player performances. For more updates on the Boston Celtics, visit the NBA’s official website.
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