The Boston Celtics dominated the Toronto Raptors last night and easily won 122: 100. Celtics coach Brad Stevens didn’t want to pay much attention to this, so there was great praise for the German international Daniel Theis.
“This game means nothing to us if we don’t make it to the second round,” said Stevens when asked how the game would affect a possible second-round duel in the playoffs.
At the moment the Celtics are in third place in the east, Toronto is in second place. If both teams prevail in the first round, this matchup would take place in the conference semifinals. According to Stevens, Boston would then see other raptors. This time? “Had a cold evening and met little.”
This analysis hits it pretty well. Before the game, Toronto was the only team besides Phoenix that hadn’t lost in the bubble. These included convincing victories against the Miami Heat, Utah Jazz and also the Los Angeles Lakers (107: 92) around LeBron James. The reigning champion did not get into the game against Boston, however, in the first 36 minutes the Raptors only hit 33.8 percent from the field and sank only four of their 27 threesomes.
Daniel Theis: Great praise from coach Brad Stevens
Mainly because of this, the game was decided early, Boston in the meantime led with up to 40 points, which is why the starters were spared almost the entire final section. This also applied to Daniel Theis, who with 11 points and 11 rebounds in just under 28 minutes showed another solid performance. (Here are the highlights of Daniel Theis.)
It was somewhat surprising that Theis was used differently this time. The former Bamberger found himself in the corners a few times, which was rarely the case this season. Theis sank two threes from the corner against Toronto, only three over the entire season (13 attempts).
Coach Stevens was also pleased: “It is important that he is a danger from outside. Over the season he has found a good balance. He does not take every throw, he only uses it in doses.” Especially in the playoffs this could become a factor, especially against the top teams in the east, as Theis knows: “Against teams like Milwaukee and Toronto, it is important that I open up the field and take the throws. I have confidence and that’s what the team has in me too. “
Daniel Theis: corner threesome and playmaker qualities
The threesome, however, is only one aspect of Theis’ game. As a center he is the last man in Boston’s defense, and up front Stevens also trusts the German’s playmaker qualities: “He serves his teammates superbly. He has learned how to get the most out of our players around him. This is his greatest strength this year. “
This happens in different ways, mostly Theis’ assists result from hand-offs when the German hands the ball to his guards and at the same time places a block. Theis also indicated drives against Toronto and also made the right decision with the kick pass.
There are now three more games on the program for Boston before the playoffs. In all likelihood, nothing will change in the seeding for the playoffs. Toronto is almost out of reach at the top and the Celtics also have enough space to the rear. Only the opponent for the first round is still completely open. A showdown is now waiting with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Miami Heat or the Indiana Pacers could still slide to sixth place in the east.
