Running it up: 10 takeaways from Celtics/Pacers

 

Two potential trap games, two blow-out victories. Anybody concerned about the high minutes’ load for the Boston Celtics starters in the opening two games can rest easy: they’ve sat the entire fourth quarter twice in a row. At times, the talent disparity looked borderline unfair. The Celtics attacked mismatches, created open shots, and locked down on defense.

As a young rebuilding team, the Indiana Pacers didn’t lay down. They kept fighting right to the end, and credit to them. It’s that type of backbone and grit that will test this team’s ability to hold onto leads throughout the season, especially after such a hot start.

#1 Jrue Holiday just keeps on impressing

We’re four games into the season. Yet, Jrue Holiday’s addition is already looking like a masterstroke. His ability to blow up plays on the defensive end, run the point, and knock down his shots with a calm consistency has helped elevate the backcourt production to a new level.