Brandon Bass Saves Celtics Season?
Brandon Bass sat down in the chair following his most memorable night in an NBA uniform, sweat pouring down his forehead from the nerves of facing the throng of media for the first time since he arrived in Boston this past December. The last time an undersized former LSU Tiger took the stage it became a full-fledged show starring Glen “Big Baby” Davis — and this one didn’t quite play out in the same manner.
Bass was modest, humble and mellow following his 27-point, six-rebound performance that may have saved the Celtics’ season.
“I didn’t know that,” Bass said with a look of disbelief when informed he had 18 points in the third quarter, a 12-minute stretch that proved the difference in Boston’s 101-85 victory over Philadelphia in Game 5.
The Celtics were treading water in the first half, lethargic without the high-octane defense of Avery Bradley — who was out after yet again re-aggravating a shoulder injury. Ray Allen was completely ineffective and Paul Pierce was a non-factor for much of the game. These guys were 24 minutes away from traveling to Philly with their backs against the wall, potentially down 3-to-2 in the best-of-seven series and being forced to win two straight to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
But it was Bass, who was brought to the Celtics in a December trade for Big Baby just prior to the start of the season, who delivered in the clutch and may have extended the Big Three’s career.
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