The Celtics had plenty of chances to beat the Pistons on Monday night, but they were too busy doing the basketball version of the Sideshow Bob stepping on rakes bit to take advantage of the opportunity.
With 4:21 to go and the Celtics gaining momentum after falling behind by 10, Jaylen Brown blocked Caris LeVert’s shot, but was called for a foul. Joe Mazzulla challenged and won, giving Boston the ball and a chance to further erase a now six-point deficit.
Brown immediately turned it over.
The Celtics shook it off. Brown blocked another shot, Derrick White hit a 3, Boston forced a miss, and White hit a fading floater in the lane to cut the lead to just two with 2:46 to go.
Then Brown bit on pump fake, fouled Tobias Harris, and put him to the line for two free points.
No problem. Brown was immediately fouled on the ensuing possession, going to the line for two free throws to make up for the ones he gave up.
He missed both.
Cade Cunningham went into takeover mode, setting up a duel with White, who was on fire. They were each their respective team’s leading scorer in the final quarter, so it was perfect. Cunningham hit a jumper. White answered with a 3. Then Cunningham hit another. And White answered with …