The shorthanded Boston Celtics (44-18) unleashed an explosive third quarter, overpowering the Portland Trail Blazers (28-35) for a 128-118 victory on March 6.
Boston Celtics Top Performers:
Payton Pritchard 43 PTS | 10-16 3PT | 10 REB | 62.5 FPS
Pritchard is a solid shooter, but his production has been up-and-down in recent games despite being an important part of the rotation. However, he stepped up today, dropping a career-high in points. He also made history alongside White, becoming the first pair in Celtics history to each score 40 points in a game and the first duo in NBA history to make nine threes in the same game.
Derrick White 41 PTS | 9-17 3PT | 3 STL | 58.6 FPS
White had a rough January but has turned it up since, averaging around 20 points over his last 15 games. With key players sidelined, he capitalized on the opportunity and posted his season high in points. His overall production might have shown a decline recently but he remained productive in three-point shooting and steals.
Jaylen Brown 18 PTS | 8 REB | 8 AST | 39.6 FPS
JB hasn’t been as sharp in all shooting areas lately and saw his streak of 20+ point games end after the break. However, he has stepped up his playmaking while also keeping his rebounding numbers steady. He’s also expected to see an increase in usage if Tatum remains out.
Al Horford 12 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 32.8 FPS
Big Al has taken on a larger role lately due to injuries and has delivered reliable production in three-point shooting, rebounding and defense.
Luke Kornet 2 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 15.2 FPS
Kornet should see an increased role tomorrow, with Horford likely resting and Porzingis potentially remaining out due to illness. He has been contributing in multiple areas lately, especially on the defensive end, despite limited minutes.
Portland Trailblazers Top Performers:
Anfernee Simons 30 PTS | 6 AST | 1 STL | 43.2 FPS
Simons’ scoring output was inconsistent last month, but he’s starting to heat up, averaging 30 points with good value in all shooting areas in his last three games. However, a tough schedule ahead will put his hot streak to the test.
Shaedon Sharpe 25 PTS | 6 REB | 1 STL | 38.2 FPS
Sharpe has thrived as a starter, averaging nearly 25 points over his last five games while making a well-rounded impact. He’s expected to continue playing a larger role with all the injuries.
Jabari Walker 22 PTS | 6-6 3PT | 6 REB | 32.2 FPS
Walker stepped up in a big way today with Clingan struggling and the team short in the frontcourt. He could see more opportunities moving forward with the team out of playoff contention, but it would be best to monitor him for now.
Deni Avdija 12 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK | 26.2 FPS
Avdija achieved a 30-point triple-double against a tough Cavs team but his production has been inconsistent lately. He also had to leave the game early after aggravating a recent injury, and his status for Saturday’s game remains uncertain.
Scoot Henderson 13 PTS | 4 AST | 1 STL | 21.4 FPS
Henderson has been inefficient but remains a key contributor off the bench, reaching double-digit points in seven of his last eight games while also providing solid assist numbers. He could be a valuable addition in deeper leagues as he continues to take on a larger role with key players sidelined.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Toumani Camara 12 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST
Camara has been a solid two-way player this season and has scored in double digits in eight of his last nine games. However, he struggled with his shot today after an efficient four-game stretch. His defensive impact and overall production have also declined noticeably in the last two games.
