Recap: Jared Sullinger for MVP

If you’re going to plant your ass on the couch on a Friday night and watch some basketball, this is the type of effort and performance you want to see. Except for the opening 90 seconds, the Celtics dominated the Wizards and walked off with a 118-98 victory.

Jared Sullinger was brilliant. Brilliant. He was even better than the 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal in 23 minutes stat line. Stevens cited his “defensive awareness” in his postgame interview. We may only be 5 games into the season, but Sullinger’s resurrection is a remarkable story.

Green

Isaiah Thomas had 12 of his 16 points in the 1st quarter. He struggled a bit against John Wall and Bradley Beal, but absolutely embarrassed the heavy footed Ramon Sessions.

The C’s kept the pressure on in the 2nd quarter thanks to Evan Turner’s hot shooting (16 points, 7-12 FG, +26). Yes, I used Evan Turner and hot shooting in the same sentence.

Kelly Olynyk led the bench brigade with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals for a +29.

Jae Crowder didn’t shoot well (4-12) but he lead all players with 10 rebounds and 5 steals.

Gross

Tyler Zeller didn’t get off the bench until Gino Time. He must watch David Lee (5 points, 1-4 FG) and wonder, “I’m losing minutes to this guy?”

Crowder was helped off the court in the 4th quarter after banging knees with Kelly Oubre. Official word is a bone bruise, but there’s no word yet on if he’ll miss time.

Greenlights

Sully’s ass-outlet pass

Amir Johnson finishes the crisp fast break

The Grid

• Boston had 40 points in the 1st quarter. Prior to tonight they ranked last (19) in 1Q points
• The Celtics won the rebounding battle (53-45) for the first time this season
• Boston shot 60+ percent in the first half

“Sullinger is a terrific player. Shut up you guys.” – Tommy Heinsohn

“I don’t know what these guys had for breakfast, but that’s the best they’ve played all year.” – Mike Gorman

Box score