As it turned out, Brad Stevens’ last timeout with 1:20 left was purely coincidental.
The Celtics coach didn’t call his team off the floor so the game operations crew could put Kevin Garnett’s favorite Gino dance video on the Garden HDX, or so the Timberwolves star finally could get up and acknowledge a chanting crowd.
It just worked out that way.
“Sure. Yeah, that’s what I was thinking the whole time,” Stevens joked after Monday night’s 113-99 win against Minnesota. “No, I was subbing … but in retrospect, that was a hell of a call. … I mean, I didn’t even think about it. I heard them chanting him the whole game, so I didn’t really figure that was going to come into play, but I’m sure glad it did. But I was doing it to sub, so don’t give me any credit for that.”
Even so, Stevens felt an urge to join in the moment.
“Awesome,” Stevens said of the game-long chants for Garnett. “I think this is one of the great things about getting a chance to coach the Boston Celtics and being in the position where we’re really building and growing, and we will hopefully continue be in that good direction for a long time, just getting better every day.
“Those guys were so good before this, and what they were able to accomplish, how they came together quickly, won a championship, and what that guy meant to that team and to the spirit of the organization at that time, from everything that I’ve been told, is quite impressive. So I was not chanting loudly, but maybe under my breath.”
Players on the C’s bench certainly felt the vibrations.
“Amazing. Loved it,” Jae Crowder said. “That’s what it’s all about, paying respect to a legend, so I love it.”
Injuries may boost Mickey time
The absences of Amir Johnson (foot) and Jared Sullinger (back spasms) from Monday night’s lineup created the greatest opportunity yet for Jordan Mickey.
The rookie power forward has been dominant for the NBA D-League’s Maine Red Claws, averaging 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and four blocks per game.
Considering the play of fellow rookies R.J. Hunter and Terry Rozier, it only seems natural Mickey’s time could be at hand with injuries in the frontcourt.
“He could play tonight, for sure, there’s no question about it,” Stevens said before Mickey scored two points in just one minute. “Jordan is a pro in how he works. He works hard on his game, he works the right way.
“He has improved his shooting quite a bit and his understanding of how we want to play on offense, which is just a game rep and experience kind of thing. And then there’s things he does, even when he makes systematic mistakes, that can make up for that. This is a different level of player we’re talking about tonight, especially on their interior. If he gets that opportunity, it will be a heck of a challenge for him.”
Lee for starters
David Lee got the start last night alongside Kelly Olynyk, especially because of the inside-outside complement both players provide. Lee had 13 points and eight rebounds.
Lee’s numbers, especially in terms of finishing in the paint, have been off early in his time with the Celtics. Someone brought up the point that Lee’s advanced statistics have been even worse, a mention the forward didn’t appreciate.
“My analytics numbers weren’t good when I was averaging 22 and 12, so I’m not surprised by that,” Lee said. “I don’t know how to respond to that. Like I said, my job remains the same.”
Not idled for long
Though Johnson has been struggling with plantar fasciitis for at least two weeks and Sullinger only recently suffered back spasms, most likely during Sunday’s practice, both players could return at any time.
“Amir is going to continue to rest it. Hopefully it gets better by the minute, by the day. It was a little better today,” Stevens said. “And then Sully has some back spasms. He’s not going to play, either. That’s the depth of what I know . . . very much day-to-day.”
Hornets up next
The Charlotte Hornets have enjoyed a solid season but find themselves in the midst of a slump when they host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Coach Steve Clifford’s club has lost four of its last five games but hopes to begin turning things around in the opener of a four-game homestand. … The Celtics have won the last three meetings, including a 98-93 victory on Dec. 12. … Charlotte center and former Celtic Al Jefferson will sit out the final contest of a five-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy.