The Celtics still believe in the jump on the second half of the season | NBA

The fight was tough, especially after a start that led the locals to accuse up to 18 points behind, but the Celtics ended up winning against the Pelicans last night (104-92). Thanks to this seventh victory in ten games, Ime Udoka‘s troops have finally found a positive balance (23v-22d), a first for 41 days, and 10th place in the Eastern Conference, the last qualifier for the “play -in”.

Even if New Orleans is not one of the most formidable formations in the NBA, the Celtics want to believe that this success may serve as a turning point, 37 games from the end, especially after their much more convincing second half which gave them allowed to count 17 points in advance in their turn.

“We are starting to see a set of things that we appreciate from our guys”, welcomed Ime Udoka after the meeting. “Specific players in well-defined spots that allow us to have the shots we want. There, we like our playbook, the systems and their options that we can put in place, and choose the right match-up to get the shot we want. We are progressing over the year on this, with changes that help us in attack at the end of matches”.

Participation in the “postseason” is at stake

During the second half, the Schroder-Tatum tandem particularly stood out. The first by compiling 23 points and 9 assists and finishing the job in the final act. The second by slamming 21 of his 27 points after the break, with high-level sequences like his “spin move” in front of Jonas Valanciunas at the end of the third quarter, when the match was changing. In difficulty at 3-points (0/4), “JT” found the right path by his aggressiveness towards the circle.

“He is great when he attacks the basket”, said Dennis Schroder. “Of course, he’s a player who also knows how to take difficult shots, but when he attacks the circle like he did today, he becomes very difficult to defend. He paves the way for everyone else. JT and JB (Jayle Brown) have to do it a little more often”.

With Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III soon on the return and with an aggressive Jayson Tatum, Boston wants to believe in a burst of pride on this second part of the season. It remains to confirm the upturn at the start of 2022 to at least hang on to the “play-ins”, while the hole seems made after 11th place, occupied by the Knicks (22v-22d).

“We’ve been playing pretty well lately. I hope we can get everyone back soon and continue to build on this base. As you said, there are 37 games left. That’s enough time to achieve something,” a conclu Jayson Tatum.