BOSTON – One of the NBA’s youngest teams, there’s plenty that this Boston Celtics squad has yet to learn.
Among those lessons?
How to close out games.
Because when they look back at Wednesday’s 106-102 loss to Dallas, the Celtics’ inability to seal the deal in the game’s closing moments really stands out for all the wrong reasons.
As good as the Celtics felt in jumping out to an 18-point lead in the first half, in hindsight such a fast start might have been the beginning of their undoing.
“It’s so hard to rest on the laurels of a lead in this league,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. “It’s just … they go too quick.”
Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, who had 17 points against Dallas, says closing out has a lot to do with consistency.
Boston Celtics
“Just got to keep your foot on the pedal; just got to play the same way,” Thomas said. “It’s tough though because some shots don’t go down and then you may hit some shots and then you may be in panic mode. But the best teams just stay the course and play the same way for the most part and go from there.”
The Mavericks certainly did that, providing yet another lesson for this youthful Celtics team to learn from going forward.
Here are the Stars, Studs and Duds from Wednesday’s game.
STARS
Dirk Nowitzki
The 37-year-old still has game – a lot of game actually – in him. Nowitzki had an efficient 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting to go with seven rebounds and an assist. In addition, he had a game-high plus/minus of +18.
Deron Williams
The former all-star isn’t back to where he was a few years ago, but he showed that he can be pretty clutch on occasion. He was on Wednesday, coming up with the go-ahead basket for the Mavericks in addition to a pair of free throws that sealed the victory. He finished with 16 points, six assists and two steals.
Avery Bradley
The Celtics might have a new Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Bradley, who had 18 points – 12 coming in the first quarter – off Boston’s bench. He also tallied six rebounds, three assists and four steals prior to fouling out.
STUDS
Isaiah Thomas
His late-game turnover aside, Thomas continues to play solid for the Celtics as a starter. He had 17 points on 7-for-16 shooting to go with six assists and two steals.
Wesley Matthews
He didn’t get off to the best of starts shooting the ball, but as the game wore on Matthews just kept getting better. He finished with 18 points which included some “killer” 3s in the second half.
Zaza Pachulia
The consolation prize for DeAndre Jordan’s change of heart to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, Pachulia continues to provide solid play for Dallas at center. On Wednesday he had his sixth double-double this season, with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Jared Sullinger
He tallied his fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
DUDS
Marcus Smart
Even on nights when he has struggled, Smart has usually managed to find a way to make an impact elsewhere. Not so against the Mavericks. Smart had two points while missing six of his seven shot attempts. He also had a plus/minus of -10 which was the worst among Boston’s guards.