Boston Celtics forward Semi Ojeleye had himself a game on Wednesday night, more than doubling the entire bench’s usual production with a career-high 22 points.
In a season where Boston has had among the worst offensive bench production levels in the league, it’s hard not to be tantalized by the SMU product’s play in the Celtics’ win against a depleted Cleveland Cavaliers franchise on Mar. 4th.
Of course, Boston was down three starters themselves in Kemba Walker (rest), Jaylen Brown (right hamstring) and Gordon Hayward (knee), which necessitated increased production from the bench if the Celtics were going to beat even a banged-up Cavs, and Ojeleye answered the call.
And then some.
Averaging just 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game this season, the Kansan obliterated his usual stat line several times over with a 22-point, 6-rebound night that raised more than a few eyebrows, though not on his own team.
“He’s the best,” head coach Brad Stevens offered post-game via MassLive’s John Karalis. “He’s a great worker. He’s a great teammate. When everything is not going your way, he’s a guy you know is in everybody’s corner.”
The sentiment was shared by teammate Marcus Smart, who noted (via CLNS’ Josue Pavon) that “[his teammates] know Semi can do that on a daily basis for us. In practice and every day he’s getting his shots up.”
“It’s just all about his opportunity, tonight he got his opportunity and he took advantage of it,” he added.
The man himself was elated with the results of his game against Cleveland.
“It’s nights like this that just keep your faith going,” Ojeleye explained, courtesy of Boston Sports Journal’s Brian Robb. “It just feels like relief, a weight off your shoulders [when your shots go in]. You put in the work and you finally get to let it show a little bit. Now it’s time to put in more work.”
If Boston truly wishes to contend for a title, they’ll need more work from Ojeleye and the rest of the bench mob.
They won’t need nights like Wednesday’s from Ojeleye or anyone in particular on the regular, but without a legitimate threat off the bench on a semi-consistent basis, opponents will be able to get much-needed rest for their best players when the Celtics bench is on the floor.
Even in shortened playoff rotations with staggered starters, it will be much easier to defend known offensive threats.
But, if the 25-year-old forward can string together a handful of games with even a third as much offensive production, expect opponents to be much less casual with their rotations when the starters sit.
And that would be huge for this team’s postseason aspirations.
