Raptors backup point guard Malachi Flynn has stepped up in the absence of All-Star Fred VanVleet, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet. Flynn had an outstanding game on Monday against the Nets, putting up 18 points on 11 shots with four rebounds, five assists, two steals and zero turnovers in 34 minutes. He finished a game-high plus-42.
“He played great,” said head coach Nick Nurse. “Malachi kept his head up, kept his head in it and when he’s had any opportunities, whether it’s first half, second half, garbage, whatever, he’s played with what I consider some IQ, some toughness, some organization and that’s what led us to that decision [to start Flynn] tonight.”
The second-year guard has struggled to crack the team’s rotation this season, but he’s finally getting the chance to show what he can do with VanVleet sidelined with a knee contusion that’s been bothering him since before the All-Star break.
“I think my main thing is just trying to be aggressive — not necessarily to score or to pass, just being aggressive and seeing what the defense gives you and just kind of reading them and then going off of that,” Flynn said, per Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
Flynn had another strong performance during Friday’s 103-97 loss to Orlando, notching 20 points, three rebounds, eight assists and zero turnovers in 39 minutes.
Here’s more from the Atlantic:
- The Sixers dared to dream big and it’s paying off, according to Dan Devine of The Ringer. James Harden has created easier shots for the entire team, including MVP candidate Joel Embiid, and second-year guard Tyrese Maxey has been outstanding. The Sixers have won five straight (four with Harden) and hold a 39-23 record after defeating the Cavs 125-119 on Friday. Philadelphia has jumped up to the No. 2 seed in the East.
- Star Jayson Tatum has stepped up and become a vocal leader for the Celtics, per Taylor Snow of Celtics.com. “He has taken a step forward in that regard,” said Al Horford. “He is being more vocal. He’s letting us know what he’s thinking, how he’s feeling. For me, it gives me a lot of confidence, and it’s encouraging to know that he has my back. He’s obviously really trying to win, he’s trying to do things the right way … Seeing him that excited, that engaged, it’s a good sign for our group.”
- The Celtics remained patient with head coach Ime Udoka and now they’re reaping the rewards, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe writes. Udoka was recently named the Eastern Conference’s coach of the month for February after leading Boston to an 9-2 record. It’s taken time for the players to adjust to Udoka’s hard-line coaching style. “That’s what really matters, that they’re letting us coach them,” Udoka said, per Washburn. “They’re letting us push them and learning and growing throughout the season and kind of what we thought we’d have when we got healthy. Credit to them for allowing us to coach them hard. That’s what they asked for and they’ve been great with it.”
Maxey is a rising star…Embiid, Harden, Maxey making it look easy
Maxey would be in the running for MIP if Ja Morant didn’t exist
Desmond Bane is MIP
You guys ever heard of Miles Bridges or Darius Garland?
Bane and Maxey are longshots.
Anfernee Simons
Are the Celtics for real?
As real as anyone else in the second tier in the East…
Claim is they accepted their tough coach and his defensive scheme that starts Horford.
The EC is jammed with threats, while the WC has teams that have disappointed.
I was watching the Celtics game the other night, and I have to say Al Horford was doing some serious work on defense!! I didn’t even know the man could even move his feet so quick..
I will say good for him, good for Udoka and Stevens, good for Tatum, Smart, and Brown, and good for the Celtic’s fans…
They are playing some inspired basketball, and if winning their first round matchup means they’re for real, I’d think that’s entirely plausible..
Al is quick! He’s know for blocking shots from behind tracking a driver to the rim.
Not really. They’ve had a good streak, but come playoff time they’ll fall apart like an ’89 Topaz.
im happier every day that Rese wasnt dealt for Harden
As I thought Embiid is getting less shots & shooting less efficiently with Harden in the team, will see how that develops from here, worth to keep an eye on it!
In comparing his last 10 games to his season numbers;
He’s actually shot more efficient from 3, better from the line, has averaged more points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The has shot slightly worse from the field but that’s about it.
Granted Harden has only been here for 4 games not 10, I could only find stats on his last 10. Might be worth point out in that last 10 we are 8-2 and since the Harden trade are 4-0.
Your really digging for issues here and there isn’t really any to be found here mate
Ofcourse he’s digging.This is the guy who was saying free ben all year,like it was the 6ers fault he quit,or like it was their job to get him to his next destination.
4-0….they’re the only numbers that really matter.
Nice job just making things up. Can we block a poster?!
In order for the whole Harden trade to work out they were going to have to replace Curry’s outside shooting, his scoring, and they had to hope someone would ste up as their third star and running maye with Harden and Embiid.
Most fans and analysts simply figured it would be Harris, and while he was most logical candidate, it has been Maxey padding his stats..
The trade working out comes down to what they do in the playoffs.Replacing Curry is a part that is a bit overrated.Harden replaces Curry.And you’re replacing a 24-32min a night guy,with a guy giving ya 36+ minutes a night.
All I know is. There were plenty of Celtic bashers here not too long ago.
So they get Theis back. And everything changes. Celtics have always been best as a unit. Of course Tatum and Jalen leading the way. It looks like they are back to that. Depth is a good thing in basketball. But you have to believe in your bench. Celtics playing good ball now.
Always said a 12 ast Harden is what Sixers needed most. He’s being doing just that. Running offense and getting team good shots. He can get his 20 easy that way. Still not believing this team. Till I see the playoffs. Imo you can give Harden problems in 7 gm series. That’s where the real test will come.