Random thoughts just because I enjoy random thoughts:
1. Grant W. What more can you say? I think you have to conclude that this draft pick has been a home run (if not a grand slam home run). On top of everything people have noted: (i) strong as an ox with excellent lateral movement to be able to handle 1 on 1 assignments with GA as often than not [my mind is blown being able to write that with a straight face]; (ii) development as a sharp shooting 3 point shooter; (iii) great defensive instincts and foot speed (which is insane to think about given where he was 2 years ago), I also think he's one of the smartest players on the team with the highest basketball IQ. His pump faking at the 3 point line is now a real skill. Guys run at him and he makes that fundamental fake, they fly by, and he either resets for an open 3 or makes the pass to the open man next to him for the WIDE OPEN 3. He is also putting the ball on the floor now, and has the presence of mind when to shoot inside, pull up or dish. He has very good vision when he does this and got JB at least 2 wide open 3s last night. His athleticism is underrated. He actually has a pretty solid vertical jump (the block of the GA layup where GA was fouled a good example), which he often displays by challenging drivers to the hoop. What a revelation.
2. Time Lord. I agree that he's not strong enough to stick with GA. No shame in that, as no one really can, but if he's 1 on 1 with GA, it's a problem. His help side defense and presence on the back line is great, and he can guard the perimeter against most guards given is recovery speed and his incredibly quick hops. Knocking down that baseline 12 footer was food for the basketball soul, if only he could develop that a bit more. Another home run draft pick.
3. Pritchard. As noted above, his best role on this team is situational 3 point shooter off the bench and sometime ballhandling point guard. I agree that he's not (yet) suited as the No. 2 ballhandling option behind Marcus. However, I think he's a tough MF'er who is not afraid of anything. I think his defense, while still subpar, has improved dramatically, as he is stronger in his base than people give him credit for and he competes. I don't think he's such a weak defender that he cannot be on the court for 15-20 minutes per game. I have high hopes that he will continue to improve and become a really valuable piece for the next 3 years. If only he could grow 3". This draft pick has been a solid double or triple.
4. JB. I mean, what else can you say about that first half? He was supernatural and willed the Celtics to a dominant, insurmountable lead. Loved the drive and pass to Tatum at the end of the half for the easy 2. I've been a sometime critic of his game, as I don't think he's a terribly well rounded player and I don't think he ever will be (i.e. way too much tunnel vision on offense, a sub par ballhandler, way too prone to TO's, a sometimes indifferent off the ball defender), but he's so valuable when he's going well. He flashed "bad JB" in the second half a bit too much, but supernatural JB was largely responsible for the first half explosion. so he's forgiven (for now)
. He is who he is at this point, a high volume scorer and when engaged, an excellent on ball defender, who can carry the team for long stretches. He also has some consistent repeated flaws that are a regular part of his game. A borderline all-star. Hard to argue with his value.
5. Al. Fucking A, what a thrill it is to see him hooping the way he is. That he can "handle" GA the way he has, at age 35 (he'll be 36 next month), is a tribute to his fitness and competitiveness. He seems like an amazing voice in the locker room too, and when he's hitting some of his shots, he's just so valuable to this team. It was a little frustrating last night that he made a few really good drives to the basket, and rather than taking the easy hoop, looked to pass, but that's a quibble. I do think he struggles in the post against GA and Lopez, but so what, he's brought so much more value on the court than I ever expected this year. Kudos to him and to Brad for that deal.
6. Officiating. There are some really shitty calls in these games (not just this series, but watching others too) but once a game is over, I try to remind myself how hard it is to officiate the NBA game. Now multiply that difficulty by how physical Al, Grant, GA, Lopez and Portis all are, and I have some sympathy for the refs. That said, GA cannot be allowed to do his Earl Campbell imitation every time he goes through the lane. SVG made the point last night when he called out the refs: "What is Grant Williams supposed to do if that's not an offensive foul?" He's right, but I'm afraid that this is something we're going to have to just live with, unfortunately. As long as they do not call those blocks on Al and Grant and they stay out of foul trouble, that's something? Not really, but what are you going to do? Maybe Ime should be praising GA to the sky but in the same breath, make a public statement "of course, if he's is continued to be allowed to truck and bulldoze our players, who are standing straight in his path, without getting a charge called on him, then we're in a heap of trouble."
What a fun year so far.