The (now) 29-10 Boston Celtics found themselves in a huge hole against the 25-8 Houston Rockets early in the game after being outscored 62-38 in the first half, Bostons’ second lowest scoring half this season. Luckily, an absolutely insane second half allowed for the C’s to grab another win with a final score of 99-98.
Head coach Brad Stevens once again worked his halftime magic and made adjustments which allowed Boston to get the game within three with under 10 seconds to go.
When asked what he told the guys at halftime, Stevens kept it short and sweet: “Go get ‘em”
…. clearly worked
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 29, 2017
Chances were still looking thin, as Houston had shot 74 percent from the charity stripe and Boston would need to continue playing the foul game to have a shot at a victory in a traditional fashion.
Enter Marcus Smart.
Smart, who is known for his resilient defense, forced two straight charge calls on all-star James Harden to give the Celtics the ball and Horford made an easy shot from the paint to solidify one of the most impressive endings this season, and arguably in history.
Kyrie Irving led the way once again with 26 points while shooting 50 percent from the field. Jayson Tatum had himself a night as well, managing 19 points and five rebounds. The 19-year-old played 40 minutes, more than anyone else for Boston.
This was not only the largest comeback for the Celtic’s this season, but the biggest since April 13, 2016 when they did the same against the Miami Heat.
Winning games after being in serious deficits has been a narrative all season, and will seemingly continue to happen.
