PORTLAND HAD THE PIECES TO WIN THIS GAME

True. Look at all the metrics we use to gauge performance. Portland's defense was GREAT for a quarter and a half. Despite the 4th quarter defensive surrender, the Blazers outshot the Celtics (50.6% to 48.4). Rebounding was a wash (41 to 43) Assists were a wash (23 - 23). Threes were a wash (9 to 10). Free throws were a wash (24-31 to 22-27). Boston won the turnover battle (15-8) but Portland won had more blocks (6 to 1) and got more from the bench (48 to 37).

Look a little deeper. Both of the backcourt stars (Dame and CJ) performed well enough. The bench was a crazy 17-26 from the field, including 7 for 12 from deep. Aminu was OUT OF HIS MIND! Portland even had the advantage of Boston playing on a road back-to-back, with travel issues coming into town. Boston even was down 2 starters to Portland's one.

What is the difference? Some seasons are filled with magic (like Portland last year). And some seasons are not (Portland this year). Nothing is more magical than Isaiah Thomas' rise to stardom this season. Already on his 3rd team, the diminutive point guard has exploded into the #2 scorer in the league and the NBA's greatest 4th quarter scorer. Forget Russ and The Beard, IT is the feel good story of the season. Boston has the defensive chops to cover for him and the arc of this fabled franchise is only getting better.

Jaylen Brown is another example of how things are progressing for Boston. The #3 pick in the draft has been a disappointment, averaging only 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg. (He's too smart!) He was even the player the Blazer chose to hide Lillard on defensively. He is averaging 10 a game lately, and his 14 and 7 last night give a glimpse of his potential. Even Marcus Smart who has appeared to be only a defensive specialist had a very efficient 18-6-5. Boston has it clicking and Portland does not. Did I forget to mention that the Celtics get Brooklyn's #1 pick this year?

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

True. You have to hold your breath, but Aminu's performance last night was breathtaking. 26 points on 8-12 shooting, with 3-5 from three. Where did that come from? Did you know that Aminu is shooting 44% (11-25) in February from deep? The big question is whether Al-Farouq combines with Crabbe to provide punch off the bench or moves back into the starting line-up.

最终成绩:有一些其他小事情that went well: Vonleh had a strong night on the boards (9). Crabbe was efficient in scoring 12, although I would love more shots from AC. Connaughton contributed 5 points and will get some run in Turner's absence. Boston is an upper level team and Portland is struggling. Portland played flawlessly in building their 19 point first half lead. We had to know that was unsustainable and the resulting loss felt inevitable. There were enough parts and positives to have won this game. Unfortunately Portland is waiting to get magic NBA fairy dust sprinkled on them to make the parts become a winning whole. B-