The Boston Celtics bounced back from Sunday's loss with a dominant 99-85 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.
Despite it being the second night of a back-to-back, the C's looked like the more energetic team and played perhaps their best defensive game of the season to this point.
Here are three instant overreactions from the win, which brings Boston to 11-2 on the year:
1. Grant Williams should get more minutes.
Verdict: Not an overreaction
If you only looked at the box score and didn't actually sit and watch Monday night's win, you'd have no idea just how impactful Williams in his limited minutes (18, to be exact). The 20-year-old rookie was a spark plug off the bench defensively and provided hustle reminiscent of his teammate, Marcus Smart.
Considering how mediocre the C's defense has looked to begin the year, an increase in playing time for Williams doesn't seem like such a bad idea. And once he starts showing more consistency on the offensive side, look out.
2. The C's could use an Aron Baynes right now.
Verdict: Not an overreaction
This is a reaction to the season as a whole, not so much this one game. The Celtics looked competent in the paint on Monday night, but that hasn't really been the case through the first 13 games. Having a dependable big like Baynes certainly would help the cause.
"All of Australia" entered Monday's matchup averaging 15 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He had nine points, six rebounds, and five assists vs. the Celtics.
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3. Celtics defense has figured it out.
Verdict: Overreaction
Monday's performance was encouraging. After all, they didn't allow Devin Booker to go off for 60+ points. But let's not get carried away just yet.
Other than Smart, this group still has plenty to prove on the defensive side. Another big test comes their way on Wednesday night when they'll take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Don’t miss NBC Sports Boston's coverage of Celtics-Clippers, which tips off Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET with Celtics Pregame Live, then Mike & Scal have the call of the game at 10 p.m. You can also stream the game through the MyTeams App.