Final: Celtics 108, Pistons 105 -- Kyrie erupts for season-high 31 points in win

Kyrie Irving showed off a new look on Tuesday night at the TD Garden and it translated into a vintage performance against the Pistons. The All-Star scored a season-high 31 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists, helping the Celtics hold off a late charge from the Pistons on the way to a 108-105 victory. Marcus Morris added 15 points and 9 rebounds off the bench for the C's, while Jaylen Brown added 11 of his 14 points in the second half, which enabled the hosts to build a double-digit third-quarter edge (25-13) that ultimately held up after the Pistons cut it to one in the closing seconds.

Blake Griffin scored a team-high 24 points for the Pistons, but the big man made a crucial mistake in the final minute, leading point guard Ish Smith too much on an inbound with the Pistons trailing by just three points. Marcus Smart made a heads-up play to knock the ball away and Irving came up with the steal, ruining the Pistons' final chance to tie the game up.

The victory gives the Celtics their third straight win after sweeping the Pistons in the home-and-home series. Boston now heads into a showdown with the undefeated Bucks on Thursday night at the TD Garden. 

 

Third Quarter Notes

• Best offensive quarter of the season for Kyrie, who scored 13 of his 25 points for the C's in the frame, matching the Pistons 13-point output in the frame.


• Blake Griffin got going for the Pistons the rest of the Pistons went ice cold from the field, shooting just 23 percent and 0-of-6 from the field. Detroit players not named Griffin scored just seven points in the frame.


• C's continued some great work on the defensive glass, liminting Pistons to just one offensive rebound despite their 13 misses.


• Boston upped their defensive pressure as well, forcing five turnovers that helped produce six points.

• Both teams have made a living on the free throw line in a very choppy affair with too many whistles for both sides. Al Horford and Aron Baynes both ended up with three fouls, while Andre Drummond was forced to the bench early as well with three.


• Kyrie Irving (12 points) continued his strong point, while Marcus Morris (11 points) remains an instant source of offense off the bench for the C's.


• Blake Griffin shook off a slow first quarter to finish with a team-high 12 halftime points as he started getting to the line (six free throws).


• C's doing a nice job defensively with the starting backcourt (3-of-14) for Detroit but they haven't been able to keep Drummond/Griffin off the board effectively, in large part due to some tight whistles.


• Jaylen Brown (1-of-7) and Gordon Hayward (2-of-7) remain on a rollercoaster ride so far this year offensively.

• Pistons working hard to find Andre Drummond down low early. He's made two of their first four shots, but Al Horford has held ground against him in the post.


• Some nice work by the C's avoiding trouble at the rim in Drummond and passing the ball up. Ball movement has been consistent in turning down good shots for great shots early and that's reflective in a 10-5 lead with 66 percent shooting in opening four minutes.


• Kyrie Irving making Blake Griffin look silly on a nice drive to the rim. The new haircut is working out nicely for him, making his first couple shots of the night and creating another for Tatum.


• Aron Baynes makes his return a bit early in the first quarter after Al Horford hits some foul trouble and the he posts a quick seven points in four minutes, including a 3-point bomb from above the break. C's offense has been much better with him on the floor all year and that's continued.


• Nice up-and-under layup for Hayward on the break, a shot he's had trouble finishing over the first few weeks of the year.


• C's doing a nice job defensively but fouling a bit too much early, leading to eight first quarter free throws for Detroit.


• Rob Williams gets a quick look after Aron Baynes heads to bench with two quick fouls. Baynes continues to lead all scorers though with nine points in only give minutes.


• Marcus Morris now shooting over 50 percent from downtown after going 2-of-3 in first quarter.


• Pistons went 11-of-12 from line in first quater, which left them trailing by just three despite shooting 42 percent from field.

• Aron Baynes will be available off the bench for the Celtics after a three-game break following a hamstring injury.


• Daniel Theis gave an update on his right foot injury on Tuesday morning, noting that he will be evaluated in mid-November.  "I’m going to be in the boot for two weeks, just to keep the foot in the right position to heal. After the two weeks it will be day-by-day. Two weeks in a boot and afterwards I’m gonna start running and all the stuff," Theis said.


• Stevens remains pleased with the progress of Robert Williams, who could see increased playing time while Daniel Theis is sidelined. "We've got a lot of good players and certainly, at that position, I don't see that him and Baynes will play much together," Stevens said. "He could certainly play with Al some, as Al shifts to the 4. Baynes can play with Al some. But then again, that knocks someone else out or someone's minutes out. It's just something that, as those times come, he needs to stay the course and take advantage of his opportunities. We're thrilled with the progress he's made and we do think that as time goes on, he can really help us. He has a great attitude about everything and I think he's learned a lot from Al, Baynes and Daniel. But, who knows? It could all change. He could be playing a lot by next week, knock on wood. Hopefully, we will have all of our bodies, but you never know."