For months, Celtics fans have been anxiously anticipating the return of the chosen one, or as many know him by his real name, Avery Bradley. This is because Bradley's insertion into the starting lineup in the second half of last season was a major factor in Boston's turnaround. Kevin Garnett constantly preaches the importance of chemistry being key to on-court success, and that is absolutely the case with this quintet.
When Avery Bradley entered the starting lineup on March 25, 2012 in Washington for the first time alongside Garnett, Bass, Pierce, and Rondo, the Celtics had found the combination that unlocked the door to success. When those five played together last season, the Celtics went 10-3. In the playoffs, they compiled a 5-4 record. This season, they're 3-1. Add that up, and you have a 18-8 record. This isn't a huge sample size, but it proves the point, does it not?
Coming into this season, everyone knew that despite their valiant efforts, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett would not be able to get it done by themselves. Brandon Bass was inconsistent to start the season as he struggled to find his niche after bouncing from the starting lineup and the bench. Jason Terry and Courtney Lee duked it out for the other starting guard spot, with Terry getting the majority of the time.
As it turned it, holding down the fort for Bradley was not as easy as everyone thought. Players were playing out of the roles that they were given before the season, and some were not put in the best position to succeed. Lee was trying too hard, Terry was not in the sixth man role that has made him so productive over the years, and Bass was a man in flux. Bradley's return has put everyone back in their comfort zone, which has translated into team success.
Coach Doc Rivers said after Friday night's 103-91 win over the Houston Rockets that Bradley's return has benefited the Celtics in multiple ways. "Avery's return has helped," said Rivers. "The second unit now has a second unit -- JET's not in the first unit or Courtney. It's pretty solidified who the second unit is, so now when we practice that group's always together."
Bradley's return has done wonders to this team. With him, the Celtics are holding opponents to 85.8 points per game and 40.5% from the field. Bradley's return has greatly impacted his own team as well, as the bench production has increased. Before Bradley returned, the bench averaged 30.4 points per game. Since his return, the bench is averaging 36.5 points per contest, and they're field-goal percentage is up from 44.6% to 52.4%. As far as his impact on his pees, Bass is shooting 50% from the floor in the 6 games he's played in, Lee is scoring 8.0 points a game, and Terry is back in his sixth man role.
The old gang has put everyone in their place, and it's the five that the Celtics will most likely ride to the postseason with.
In other news...
* The Celtics practiced this afternoon for the fifth time this month, which is a rarity for Boston. Coach Doc Rivers believes that the practices have contributed to Boston's recent success. "It’s been really good," said Rivers. "We’ve had a bunch [of practices] in a row. We took yesterday off, got back at it today. You can see it in the results. I think guys are getting rhythm on both ends, guys are able to put in a lot of individual work as well, which I think is important in the middle of the season."
* Chris Wilcox, who last played December 18 in Chicago, returned to practice for the first time since mid-December. Wilcox sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb and has missed the last 12 games. Today, he participated in full-contact activities. The injury is on Wilcox's right hand, which is his dominant hand, but he feels confident that he is improving. "It's still sore," Wilcox told reporters before practice, "but it's going to be like that for a while, so I'm just trying to do whatever I can and just get back out here on the court and then see what I can go through and see what's comfortable." Wilcox's return will only help a bench that has been thriving of late.
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