Amir Johnson Saves The Day, Celtics Beat Pelicans 104-97 (Videos)
The Celtics edged out the Pelicans 104-97 Wednesday night at The Garden in a game that was closer than it should have been against a sub .500 team that was missing their best player (Anthony Davis).
With about 40 seconds to play and the C’s up by four, New Orleans had a wide open layup and a chance to cut the lead to one possession. Thankfully, Amir Johnson had his head on a swivel and was able to sneak up on Luke Babbit and swat away his shot. Pretty impressive when you consider the fact that he was at the free throw line with his back turned to the basket when Babbit caught the pass:
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The block led to this clutch Avery Bradley three, which stretched Boston’s lead to 102-95 with 32 seconds left:
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The Pelicans called a timeout and eventually a couple Jae Crowder free throws sealed the Celtics’ 104-97 win.
An overall ugly game, but in the end they found a way to pull it out. That’s what good teams do. You really never know who’s going to step up in clutch situations for this squad. Isaiah Thomas, Evan Turner, and Avery Bradley have all hit plenty of huge fourth quarter shots this year. Jae Crowder has played incredible lock-down defense and come up with game-changing steals, as have Bradley and Marcus Smart. Jared Sullinger has given maximum effort on the boards and he’s had some crucial late-game put-backs and jumpers after Isaiah drives and kicks it out. Even Jonas Jerebko gets overlooked for his effort on the defensive end and on the boards down the stretch of games. A big tip-out offensive rebound is just as impactful as a big shot.
Tonight it was Amir Johnson with the play of the game. The depth and versatility on the Celtics team is real and it’s saved them on numerous occasions this season when things weren’t exactly going their way. It will be a key for them in the playoffs as they go up against team’s whose rosters are a little more top-heavy.
With four games left until the post-season, the C’s now find themselves tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the three seed, a half game ahead of the Miami Heat who sit in fifth, and a game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets who are sixth. Their last three games are against the Hawks, Hornets, and Heat, so the end of the regular season is shaping up to be quite a thrill ride.
Follow Jack Bardsley on Twitter @BostonsBigFour
Photo Credit: Charles Krupa/Associated Press via Boston Globe