Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis from each game. Boston beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 101-85, Monday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Ever heard of the K-I-S-S principle, meaning "Keep It Simple Stupid?" Brandon Bass has.
Bass had by far his best game of the postseason, scoring a game-leading 27 points while scooping up six rebounds in the Celtics' 101-85 win over the Sixers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series Monday night at TD Garden. Bass did most of his damage in the third quarter, torching Philly for 18 points to lead Boston's turnaround.
While the numbers he put up in the third were flashy, Bass' game plan wasn't. It was simple.
"I just thought he kept the game simple in the second half," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said. "Didn't try to do too much, he let the game come to him. And he trusted his teammates, by throwing an extra pass to (Rajon) Rondo, Rondo throwing it back. But again, like I always say, it's a make-miss league. He made shots and that was great."
Boston trailed by six points, 53-47, with 11:06 to play in the third before Bass hit two free throws, kicking off a furious 15-4 run the put the Celtics on top by six, 63-57, with 4:56 left. During the run, Bass scored 10 points and finished the quarter with eight more points.
"It was big," said Paul Pierce, who scored nine first-half points and finished the contest with 16, of Bass' third quarter. "We were swinging the ball, getting it to the open guy. Brandon just stayed aggressive, he took the shots that were there, he was aggressive and mixing it up, going to the hole, finishing, taking the mid-range shot and that's what we need."
Added Bass on his dominant third quarter: "It was a blessing for me. It's just hard work. I've been working at it for a long time and I'm just grateful it was able to pay off."
Bass hadn't scored more than 15 points in a playoff game this postseason, and he did that in Game 4 against the Sixers last Friday night. Prior to Game 4, Bass' high for points was 14, which he notched in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. Bass is now averaging 14.8 points in the series -- the third-highest mark on the team behind Kevin Garnett and Pierce.
"With me more than anything it's hard work," said Bass when asked about staying positive. "So after missing some shots in the game, I just reverted back to what got me here and that's spending time in the gym getting up a bunch of shots."
Closing out his press conference, Bass was asked if this was his first time on the postgame podium, which it was, and he shared the motto that had helped him reach this stage.
"My motto is 'God, grind, greatness,'" a very humble Bass said. "And grinding is what got me, you know, to this point and that's what I'm [going to] continue to do."
AUDIO: Brandon Bass Postgame Interview, Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 5 (5-21-12)
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