Inside The Celtics

The Top 5 Plays from the Celtics-Grizzlies Game

From an alley-oop from Daniel Theis to Jayson Tatum to Marcus Smart stealing and slamming, Tatum's four-point play, Al Horford denying Xavier Tillman at the rim, and Malik Fitts's thunderous throwdown, here are the top five plays from Sunday's Celtics-Grizzlies game.

Bobby Krivitsky

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

From an alley-oop from Daniel Theis to Jayson Tatum to Marcus Smart stealing and slamming, Tatum's four-point play, Al Horford denying Xavier Tillman at the rim, and Malik Fitts's thunderous throwdown, here are the top five plays from Sunday's Celtics-Grizzlies game.

Daniel Theis Connects with Jayson Tatum for First Quarter Alley-Oop

The Celtics run a horns set with Al Horford and Daniel Theis lifted above the elbows. Smart delivers a bounce pass to Theis and clears out. Horford spins to set a pindown for Jayson Tatum, but with Ziaire Williams top-siding him, Tatum cuts backdoor. Since John Konchar is tight to Jaylen Brown in the right corner, there's no one in a position to protect the rim, giving Theis the green light to lob an alley-oop to Tatum.

Marcus Smart Steals and Slams

With Jarrett Culver telegraphing his intentions while operating at a slow pace and Xavier Tillman not making contact to seal off Marcus Smart, the Defensive Player of the Candidate jumps the pass. Smart then takes off down the other end, and rather than a layup, he puts a little extra sauce on the finish.

Jayson Tatum's Four-Point Play

Filthy, absolutely filthy. Tatum's toying with Santi Aldama, and when he rises for a clean look at a step-back three, Aldama fouls him, but Tatum, who scored 31 points on 11/14 shooting in this game, is in rhythm, and it doesn't matter as he swishes a three that barely moves the net.

Even Tatum's impressed by the play as he looks towards the crowd and says: "Wow!"

And yes, he made the ensuing free throw.

Al Horford Denies Xavier Tillman at the Rim

Tillman tries to Take Horford off the dribble, but he doesn't create separation or go up with much authority, and so when he elevates for the dunk, he's rejected by Horford.

Malik Fitts's Thunderous Throwdown

With the outcome of the Celtics' regular-season finale, a game they led wire-to-wire, never in doubt, the fourth quarter was a well-deserved opportunity for the players at the end of the rotation to shine.

Malik Fitts took full advantage of that, including on this highlight reel jam as he drives to the rim and delivers a thunderous throwdown.

Further Reading

Celtics Earn 2-Seed; Showdown with Nets Likely Awaits

Ime Udoka on the Celtics' Plan for Season Finale: "Let's do what we do and let the chips fall where they may"

Gary Payton Endorses Marcus Smart for Defensive Player of the Year

[Film Room] In Sunday's Win Against the Wizards, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Growth as Facilitators was Evident

Robert Williams Says He's in a Great Place Physically and Mentally as He Works Towards His Return

When Asked About Vaccination Status, Jaylen Brown Responds: "I'm excited and ready to play against anybody"

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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