For most of his time in Boston, Avery Bradley has been a man of few words.
He’s more about leading the team to big runs, rather than running his mouth. And while the example he sets may not involve a single syllable being uttered, the message Bradley delivered on Saturday night at Phoenix with his play came across loud and clear.
Keep in mind that it had only been a few hours prior to Bradley boarding a plane to Phoenix, when the 6-foot-2 guard was in the hospital getting fluids pumped into his body intravenously to re-hydrate him due to some type of stomach bug.
Not only did Bradley show up in time to play, but actually put the Celtics on the path of victory in the game’s early moments.
It was Bradley’s aggressive play offensively that not only got Boston on the scoreboard, but sent the Suns’ Devin Booker to the bench less than five minutes into the game after picking up a pair of fouls courtesy of Bradley.
Booker has been one of the hottest players in the NBA lately, bringing his own brand of March Madness to the floor by averaging more than 22 points per game this month. By sending Booker to the bench early while doing a solid job of scoring, Bradley’s message to his teammates was undeniable.
He was there, ready to play, ready to win and refused to use his less-than-usual stellar health as a reason to play poorly. And the Celtics (43-30) need him to be a difference-making, high impact player even more now with Jae Crowder (high ankle sprain) out for at least one more game.
Boston Celtics
The importance of this final stretch of games was not lost on Bradley, who acknowledged before Saturday's game that it was indeed a factor in his decision to play.
“I wanted to be here,” he told reporters. “These games are important, every single game. Not saying our team couldn’t get it done without me, but I wanted to be part of it.”
And he was, finishing with 15 points. So now the Celtics move on to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday who are led by former Celtic coach Doc Rivers as well as former Boston players Paul Pierce and Jeff Green.
Bradley will gradually get back to full strength in the coming days and resume displaying the skills that have made him one of the most improved two-way players in the NBA.
Healthy or not, Bradley’s approach to the game won’t change. And that’s a good thing for the Celtics.
“I just wanted to be here for my team,” he said. “I want to compete.”