We’re again! Welcome to the Celtics’ Prime-5 Highest IQ Performs of the Week!
Certain, we love the high-flying dunks and the deep, off-the-dribble step-back threes, however it is a place for the under-the-radar performs that may not get the credit score they deserve. The performs that get the basketball sickos and nerds out of their chairs. The performs that even YOU may make in your weekly rec league sport.
Every week, the performs might be ranked from 5 to at least one—one being the neatest—and can solely be taken from video games that occurred throughout the previous week. For this week, video games from January thirtieth to February fifth are thought-about. The Celtics went 4-0 this week, with wins over the Kings, Bucks, Mavericks, and Rockets. Wednesday night time’s win in opposition to Houston would possibly’ve been one of the best win of all the season.
Maybe I’m breaking the principles a bit right here, however Brad’s trade-deadline transfer to accumulate Vucevic deserves a spot on this listing. Not solely do the Celtics get monetary savings by swapping Simons for the Bulls’ huge man (and enhance their roster building flexibility transferring ahead), however they add some much-needed depth to their front-court and add one more dimension to what they’ll do offensively. Queta and Garza each have completely different talent units, however neither of them is the spot-up shooter and/or put up menace that Nikola is. Regardless of Vucevic’s defensive limitations, it’s necessary to notice that Simons had his justifiable share of these, too—to not point out the truth that a 6-foot-9 ahead’s defensive drawbacks are simpler to cover than they’re for a 6-foot-3 guard. This commerce will get a stamp of approval from me.
I do know I simply mentioned my satisfaction concerning the Simons-Vucevic swap, however that doesn’t imply Anfernee wasn’t an superior participant for us this 12 months. I loved watching him play this season, particularly offensively, and a big purpose was due to performs like this. Simons makes use of wrong-footed layups so nicely, and it helps make up for his lack of imposing measurement on the hoop. On this drive, he’s most likely going to be contested by each Bobby Portis and Pete Nance, however his untimely collect and floater throws off their timing, which permits him to get the layup try off scot-free. I’m going to overlook Simons and easily HAD to present him one final shout-out earlier than his departure! However I received’t lie, I can’t watch for Vucevic to make his arrival on my highest IQ performs of the week.
I received’t fake to know the Celtics’ whole offensive playbook, however I’m fairly certain Neemias Queta—simply based mostly on his physique positioning and eyes—was alleged to set a excessive display screen for Derrick White on this play. However when he notices Schroder in aggressive gap-help, he alters his trajectory to as a substitute set a flare display screen for Pritchard, which completely throws off Sacramento’s protection and leads to a large open three for his or her finest three-point shooter. Queta is getting higher by the week, and it’s particular to look at.
2. When bodily instruments and IQ align
Hugo Gonzalez has acquired his justifiable share of reward concerning the defensive toughness and flexibility he brings from such a younger age, and there may be no higher instance than this play. He sprints again to the paint and positions himself completely for Williams’ center drive whereas additionally successfully speaking with Derrick White to execute the peel change. Then, when White will get faked out by the cross, Hugo aggressively switches out onto Naji Marshall and makes use of his power, toughness and size to stymie his drive. He will get a implausible contest on Marshall’s signature shot—the 5-foot floater. Particular stuff from the rookie.
1. Mazzulla operating circles round Udoka
Joe Mazzulla actually ran circles round Ime Udoka within the Celtics’ drubbing of the Rockets on Wednesday, and it started with the beginning lineup and minutes allocation. There have been just too many performs to reference, so I’m inserting the beginning lineup right here to make my level. Mazzulla began two bigs—Garza and Queta—for the primary time all season in an try to present us a greater probability on the defensive boards in opposition to Houston’s aggressive offensive rebounding technique. And, it labored—the C’s outrebounded the Rockets 57-38 within the sport. The large lineup, which included Ron Harper Jr., allowed Neemy to protect Amen Thompson within the paint and clog up drives and mid-ranges for Sengun and Durant. The defensive technique labored to a tee, a lot in order that Udoka took out his frustrations on the referees and was ejected. Huge time stuff, Joe. Coach of the 12 months.
