Although deprived of numerous players, including Marcus Smart, the former Boston captain, the Grizzlies still sold their skin dearly against the Celtics. But, behind 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks (including the victory) from Kristaps Porzingis, plus 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists (but 8 lost balls) from Jayson Tatum, Boston pocketed its sixth victory in a row, on the thread (102-100).
It must be said that opposite, Desmond Bane (30 points, 8 assists) and Santi Aldama (28 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists) were fierce competitors, since the Spaniard set his career record for the occasion. .
In rhythm and well in place defensively, holding Memphis to 38% shooting success in the first half, the Celtics tried to finally pull away in the third quarter, with Porzingis viciously covering Ziaire Williams before Derrick White 3-point shot. Boston then takes +9 4 minutes from the end of the period. But, on a big night, Santi Aldama brought the Grizz back on his shoulders with two long shots.
Aldama has the match point
In the final quarter, the two teams continued to go blow for blow, with Bane responding to Holiday from behind the arc. Boston continues to race in the lead but the locals are never far behind as the young (and bulky) Lofton clings to the circle. In this case, when Aldama misses a layup, it is Williams who springs for the tap dunk and allows Memphis to stay, again and again, in the wheel of the C’s, at -1 two minutes from the end of the match ( 98-97).
Bane even gives them the advantage, for a short time. Because Boston goes back in front on a dunk from Porzingis. The Celtics can seal their victory when White recovers an offensive rebound which allows Holiday to dunk… but the veteran misses, hampered by Jackson Jr!
Aldama attempts a 3-pointer which misses the target and, in the process, it is Williams who has one last ball to equalize but Porzingis counters it! Meanwhile, on his sidelines, Taylor Jenkins couldn’t believe his eyes: the Memphis technician asked for a time-out. That the referees never saw in this disheveled end to the match (102-100).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Celtics remain on six straight victories. It was laborious but the Celtics well and truly maintained their unbeaten streak and reaped a sixth victory in a row to present a dominating record of 11 wins for 2 losses, the best in the League (ahead of the Sixers). Undefeated at home (5-0), the C’s are also very good away from home with 6 wins and 2 losses.
– Suspense! This match of extremes was very close from start to finish with 7 ties and 18 changes of leaders. Deprived of four of its six best players, the Grizzlies deserved better.
– Santi Aldama’s career records. Deprived of many key players, Memphis turned to its Spanish interior who did not hold back to deliver. The former Loyola player simply shattered his career record in points, but also in assists, 3-pointers and successful shots with a record of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Good news for Grizzes who don’t have it every day this season…
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
