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In a cross-conference match-up, the Boston Celtics went up against the San Antonio Spurs in what was a battle between two historically great organisations.
But the Spurs came in prepared and all guns blazing, fully ready to do whatever it takes to beat the Celtics. And as a result, the final result of the game was 120-111 in favour of the Spurs.
After this match, the San Antonio Spurs have now won 7 of their last 10 matches, and they look all set to take a playoff spot in the Western Conference. They're currently ranked 8th in the West with a record of 21-17.
On the other hand, the Celtics have won only 5 of their last 10 matches. They're clearly in a slump and have been struggling to find a rhythm. They're ranked 5th in the East and have a record of 21-15.
With all that in mind, here are the top 3 talking points:
#3 The Gordon Hayward problem for Boston
When Gordon Hayward signed for Boston Celtics, everyone thought that the Celtics have finally got all the puzzles covered and they're ready to dominate the league. He was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle.
But, things have only gone downwards since then. Hayward suffered an injury and from there he has never been able to be the same. He looks like a shadow of himself and doesn't look like the man Boston signed to be their 2nd star. In today's game, he played 20 minutes, scored 0 points on 0 of 6 shooting.
Throughout the season Hayward has been averaging only 10 points on only 39% shooting from the field, and 31% from the 3-point line in over 26 minutes.
Boston need to fix their Hayward problem or things could become even worse from here.
#2 LaMarcus Aldridge and his hot streak
LaMarcus Aldridge is having a tremendous season so far and he's one of the biggest reasons for the Spurs' recent success. He looks determined, he looks poised and he looks ready to get back to his normal form.
He has been on a tear recently as the Spurs have developed this little momentum for themselves so far which has landed them on the 8th spot in the Western Conference.
In today's game, Aldridge scored 32 points with 9 rebs on 13 of 23 shooting and he was the no.1 player for the Spurs in this win. Throughout the season Aldridge has been averaging 19.8 points, 9 rebounds while shooting 82% from the free throw line.
This is his best run as a San Antonio Spurs member as he has mostly been injury prone. Hopefully, he continues this run and keeps mesmerizing us with his plays.
#1 3-point shooting for the Spurs
In the preview of this match, it was predicted that the Celtics must stop the Spurs' shooters if they want to win. But, sadly for them, that preview has become correct.
The Spurs shot lights out from the arc and never gave the Celtics any chance to recover from so many deep 3s. This has been their greatest strength so far and they know how to use the most lethal shot in basketball, the 3-point shot.
In today's game, they shot at an astounding 53.8% from the 3-point line as they shot 14 of their total 26 3-pointers. Everybody was rolling for them and this led them to a victory.
In their next game, the San Antonio Spurs will face the Raptors in a home game while the Boston Celtics will look to come-back in an away game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
