Celtics Dominate Grizzlies with Revamped Starting Lineup: 4 Key Takeaways

The Boston Celtics showcased a revamped starting lineup in their recent matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, resulting in a commanding 131-95 victory. This marked their sixth win of the season, pushing their record to 6-7. The performance underscored a series of improvements, particularly on the defensive end.

Celtics Dominate Grizzlies with a New Look

Key Events and Performers

• Boston’s defense restricted Memphis to a mere 33.7 percent shooting from the field.
• Second-year player Jordan Walsh earned his first start of the season, stepping in for Josh Minott.
• Payton Pritchard led the scoring for the Celtics with 24 points and added seven assists.
• Derrick White contributed 20 points, signaling a recovery from his recent shooting slump.
• Jaylen Brown chipped in with 19 points in the win.

Strategic Defensive Dominance

The Celtics capitalized on Memphis’s offensive struggles, controlling the game early. Boston constructed an essential double-digit lead in the first half. They then erupted in the third quarter with a 35-9 run, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Derrick White’s Resurgence

Derrick White has shown signs of improvement over the past few games, with his performance against Memphis being his best yet. He recorded 20 points on 54 percent shooting, with an impressive 15 points coming in the first half.

3-Point Shooting Gains

Boston had a noticeable improvement in their three-point shooting, hitting 41.2 percent from beyond the arc. This was a significant increase from their season average of 32.8 percent, aided by the backcourt duo of White and Pritchard, who combined for eight three-pointers.

A New Starting Lineup

Jordan Walsh’s inclusion in the starting five was a key highlight. Originally out of the rotation, Walsh took advantage of his opportunity, accumulating seven points and six rebounds while playing strong defense against Memphis’s Jaren Jackson Jr.

Grizzlies Struggle Without Key Players

The Grizzlies faced challenges with several key players missing, including star Ja Morant. This left them unable to compete effectively against the Celtics, who outperformed them in crucial hustle areas, notably on the offensive boards. Boston outscored Memphis 34-12 in second-chance points.

The Celtics look forward to building on this momentum with a three-day break before their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden.