Led by Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger and a fan with a relentless “Cous-ins” chant, the Celtics throttled the Kings, 106-84 in a New Year’s Eve matinee at the Garden.
The offense was a textbook lesson in ball movement. 32 assists on 44 baskets. The defense held Sacramento to 37% shooting and frustrated DeMarcus Cousins so badly, he snapped and threw Marcus Smart to the floor in the 4th quarter.
There were very few lapses by the Celtics in this game. 48 minutes of focus and effort. The four game losing streak is over.
The Green
Evan Turner started his first game as point guard (shivers) and responded with a career high 11 assists. Brad Stevens obviously thinks Turner is the best option for the evolution of this offense. While I want as much court time as possible for Marcus Smart (28 minutes, 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals), I might be coming around to Stevens thinking.
Welcome back, Jared Sullinger. Sully led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He chipped in 3 blocks and played a key role in frustrating Cousins.
Jae Crowder had 12 points in 24 minutes. The more I watch this guy, the more I like him.
The Gross
DeMarcus Cousins has the maturity of a 13 year old girl. From the moment a few calls didn’t go his way early in the 1st quarter, you just knew the Celtics were in his head. The implosion reached its peak when Cousins tossed Smart to the court in the 4th quarter.
Both players were hit with technical fouls and because this was Cousins’ second tech, he was ejected. Just your typical cop-out call by lame ass NBA referees.
Greenlights
Olynyk with the up-and-under finger roll
The Grid
- The Celtics never trailed
- No Celtics player logged more than 28 minutes
- Tyler Zeller was hit with a Flagrant 1 for a hard foul on Cousins
Up next – Rajon Rondo and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Break out the tissues.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve green-teamers. Drink responsibly and for those staying in like me, don’t overdose on Chinese food.
