Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens was trying to get Bradley, on pace to play more than 40 minutes, a brief rest when he subbed him out midway through the fourth quarter with Boston’s lead about to climb into double figures. But Wade got hot and, after three quick baskets brought energy to the building, Bradley was sent back in after just two minutes on the bench and told to contain Wade.
On Miami’s next offensive possession, Bradley blanketed Wade, twice denying him on attempts to drive to the basket. The second time, Bradley poked the ball free along the baseline and got fouled trying to break out the other way.
The Heat still were within striking distance with a minute to go when Wade took a dribble handoff high above the 3-point arc and accelerated toward Bradley. With help from Amir Johnson, Bradley halted Wade in the paint, but Miami’s guard spun and arched as if he was going to attempt a fadeaway jumper. While he might have been simply trying to feed Chris Bosh around the basket, Wade’s offering was swatted by Bradley before the ball’s path could be defined (it went in the scorebook as a block) and Evan Turner corralled the rebound to ice the game.
For those of us waking up in chilly New England this morning, we’re finding glowing commentary about Avery Bradley’s two-way game. Meanwhile, those waking up in balmy Miami are reading about the resurgence of Dwyane Wade.
Both players played tremendous games last night. But when the game was decided in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, one player (Avery Bradley) dominated the other (Dwyane Wade).
I shouldn’t get too excited about a 25-year old player entering the prime of his career man-handling a rapidly declining Hall of Famer. Father Time avoids no one (see Bryant, Kobe for the most painful reminder). But there’s something extra satisfying about the dirtiest player in the league getting a big, fat helping of humble pie.
The Miami media/fan base remains a sad bunch. Look at Hot Hot Hoops’ (SB Nation) Five Stars story about the game. Notice anything about the photo? How they conveniently cropped out Bradley swatting the ball back in Wade’s face? Sad, just sad.
But enough about them. Let’s revel in Bradley’s ascent:
For the season, Bradley is averaging 16.1 points on 46.9 percent shooting (well above his career average of 43.6 percent). He’s shooting a sizzling 41.8 percent beyond the 3-point arc (compared to 36.5 percent for his career). It’s left some wondering if Bradley is on an extended hot streak or if he’s made a true leap on the court.
Haters might scoff at the 16 ppg. Bradley cracks the top 40 in points per 48 minutes and he’s in the same realm as Chris Paul, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker.
Remember the concern about Bradley’s 4 year, $32 million contract? It’s a bargain. BARGAIN.
Realated: CSNNE – Bradley’s two way game on display vs Heat | Mass Live – Bradley’s clutch play preserves win
On Page 2, Rick Carlisle tells Rondo to get the F-out.
Rajon Rondo on interrupting Rick Carlisle’s huddle w/ Deron Williams: “He just told me to get the f— out of here. I’ve heard that before.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 1, 2015
Gotta love, Rajon. After what happened last season in Dallas, he still has the balls to poke his head into Carlisle’s huddle and then joke about it. For anyone who cares, Rondo and Carlisle talk openly (kinda) about what went wrong last season.
I’m looking forward to watching the Celts defend Rondo and the Kings Thursday night in Mexico. Provided I can stay up past 10pm.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Celtics hide their ugly side | CSNNE – Cs record since Feb speaks to improvement | Globe – Cs don’t let one bad night turn into two | Winslow caught Celtics eye | WEEI – Studs and Duds
