NBA Scores 2018: The Celtics just keep finding ways to win, and 9 other things from Thursday

The Celtics just keep finding ways to win. They’re 10-7 this season in games they fall behind by at least 12 points, which is quite the amazing feat. But on Thursday night, they found themselves up by 10 against the Wizards with under five minutes to go in the fourth quarter and they actually blew a lead this time.

Fear not, though. If there’s one thing we know about these Celtics it’s that, no matter what, they’re resilient. They were down by three points with nine seconds left on the game clock. No timeouts and they needed a three. You didn’t have to think hard about where the ball was going to go and what they were going to do. Kyrie Irving was taking a three, and he did. But he was also fouled and forced overtime after making three straight free throws.

The Celtics went on to win the game against the short-handed Wizards, but that’s not the point. When all hope is lost, when everything seems to be caving in on them, these Celtics somehow find a way to claw themselves back into things and, eventually, triumph.

I’m not sure if that’s a great quality or not. It’s one thing if you’re a lower-seeded team in a conference, but the Celtics are first in the East! They shouldn’t be down by more than 12 points often, and they shouldn’t blow leads either. But sometimes they are, and they’ve shown that they can still win despite that. In the end, that’s all that really matters.

And he was pretty solid in it after a slow start where he looked like he was still trying to find his way. He finished the game with a solid five points, six rebounds, and two assists in 20 minutes — literally just hours after officially being signed by the team:

Trade deadline day normally brings us some weird storylines like this. It’s odd to see a new acquisition thrusted into a new role like that so soon, but to play 20 minutes? That’s tough. He was good, though, and the Celtics got the win. Great start for the Monroe era.

If they do? Just ask Draymond Green how good the Mavs’ vet is. He gave Green not one, but two fakes on one play. Then dropped off a sweet bucket:

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year looked silly there. Nowitzki will do that to you — even at 40 years old.

He did a great job. He finished with 29 points and nine rebounds despite the Lakers winning in a blowout. But Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony were both out, and it was up to George to carry the offensive load for the Thunder.

George is still an electrifying player and one of the best two-way players in the league when he’s at his best. He’s a tough shot-maker and would absolutely change the dynamic of the Lakers if he signed there. He says he’s happy in Oklahoma City, but Lakers fans are still trying to pry him away.

Good luck. We’ll see what happens in July.

They’ve won eight straight at home, and they did it with Paul George in the building, too. They throttled the Thunder without Lonzo Ball and while Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. were on the move. Brandon Ingram ran the point and finished with 19 points and six assists and showed how deep this team can really run.

Whether the Lakers get a star in free agency or not, they’re in pretty good hands with the young core they have now. The future in LA is bright.

Celtics 110, Wizards 104 (Celtics Blog recap | Bullets Forever recap)

Magic 100, Hawks 98 (Peachtree Hoops recap | Orlando Pinstripe Post recap)

Raptors 113, Knicks 88 (Raptors HQ recap | Posting and Toasting recap)

Trail Blazers 109, Hornets 103 (Blazers Edge recap | At the Hive recap)

Warriors 121, Mavericks 103(Golden State of Mind recap | Mavs Moneyball recap)

Lakers 106, Thunder 81 (WTLC recap | Silver Screen and Roll recap)