The Hornets may have tipped to the right side of the Eastern Conference standings for good tonight after picking up their sixth win in seven games, their third in a row away from home.
With LaMelo Ball and Kelly Oubre Jr. back, Charlotte arrived with all her weapons and knew how to use them to overcome the Celtics, still deprived of Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III in the second half. First there was a 13-3 at the end of the second quarter with the Rozier-Bridges tandem in charge for a first gap (48-56).
Then came the blow of heat from Terry Rozier, author of four baskets in a row from 3-pointers and two assists for the missiles of Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr (64-78). Again in the hard, the Celtics tried to make the blow of the “MLK Day” by trying to come back strong in the end.
Except that the offensive led by Romeo Langford, Josh Richardson and Enes Freedom to bring Boston back to -4 was not enough (84-88). LaMelo Ball planted a big 3-point basket to revive his team, then it was Miles Bridges who then offered himself three decisive baskets concluded near the circle and a “Windmill” on the counter-attack to complete the premises (91 -102).
The last two missiles from LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier finished the job, to complete the game with a triple-double for the first (15 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), 28 points for the second, and the victory 111- 102 for Charlotte.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Hornets in full possession of their means. James Borrego’s troops recovered their titular playmaker and their sixth man. With all her forces present, Charlotte had the leisure to press on each of her assets to make the difference, whether it was the Rozier festival in the third quarter, the precious sequences of Kelly Oubre JR. off the bench or the way Miles Bridges killed the suspense by making his way to the circle four times. To top it off, LaMelo Ball celebrated his triple-double with a 3-pointer as Boston came down to -6. Everyone brought, and Boston did not resist.
– Terry Rozier as in his garden. The meeting was also marked by the return of two former Celtics players: Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier. If Gordon Hayward was rather discreet (5 points), “Scary Terry” recalled his best memories of TD Garden since he finished as the game’s top scorer. The back was close to perfection since in addition to finishing as the game’s top scorer with 28 points (6/11 from 3-pointers), he also distinguished himself with his 10 assists.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Miles Bridges. The winger was expected after smashing his career-high 38 points at the Garden. If he was less successful at 3-pointers (1/6), Miles Bridges was still essential with his 22 points and his impressive passage in the last act, during which Boston was unable to contain his drives to the circle. He then allowed himself to validate everything with a good big windmill in transition. Another big performance from him, with that of Terry Rozier of course.
✅ LaMelo Ball. A boss match for his return, despite his 8 lost balls. To constantly look for the flaw in the opponent and often taking the right option, whether for him or to find a teammate. His last 3-point missile definitely put an end to the suspense. He then validated his triple-double with a final rebound at the last second of the match.
⛔ Jayson Tatum. Still angry with his outside shot (0/7), “JT” was not able to play the detonators for Boston tonight, unlike the last game against the Pelicans. The winger was in pain all evening to finish with a sad 5/19 in shooting for 12 small points scored.
THE FOLLOWING
Boston (23-23): the Celtics continue at home with the reception of Portland this Friday
Charlotte (25-20): the Hornets will be back at home to face the Thunder this Friday
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