Thanksgiving Massacre

Holiday brought the ball into the frontcourt and continued feeding Tang Tian, while Tang Tian kept looking for Jokic to play pick and roll.

Just like when he had faced Curry, he was determined to pound Sullinger into the ground.

But after McHale's reminder from the sideline, the Celtics no longer gave Tang Tian chances for mismatch isolation.

This time, Sullinger and Smart directly double-teamed Tang Tian.

Tang Tian sent a lob pass inside.

Jokic had a high basketball IQ. The moment he saw the double-team, he had already cut inside early. The ball arrived as he did, and he took it straight to the basket.

Johnson came over to help defend, and Jokic displayed the signature Serbian Golden Right Hand, threading a close-range pass to Davis.

Davis caught the ball, rose comfortably, and threw down a powerful two-handed dunk.

Ainge's expression turned somewhat ugly.

The Celtics had defended well this season and looked poised to recapture the spirit of their old iron-blooded teams, but getting dunked on repeatedly by the Pelicans right from the opening tip looked awful.

Sullinger continued attacking Jokic hard in the frontcourt. Davis came over to help again, and Sullinger kicked the ball out to Johnson.

Johnson's Mid Range game was steady, but he did not create enough separation. Davis got back in time to disrupt his shot.

Clang!

The basketball bounced off the rim, and Jokic grabbed another defensive rebound.

The Pelicans immediately launched a fast break. After catching the ball, Tang Tian accelerated past Smart.

Seeing Smart staying tight on him, he rose and hammered home a two-handed dunk, giving Smart no chance to foul him.

Ainge nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Two dunks were not enough, and now came a third?

Did they really think the Celtics were Du Fu,