When Josh Richardson checked into the game with 5:17 left in the third quarter Monday, the Celtics still trailed the Pelicans by four and were unable to create any separation after erasing an 18-point second-quarter deficit.
By the time Richardson checked out, with 7:27 remaining in the game, they found themselves up nine and firmly in command. It was far from a coincidence. Richardson only scored two points in 19 minutes, but his contributions and effect on the game were immense in Boston’s 104-92 comeback win.
Whether he finishes with two points or 20, Richardson often has a knack for giving the Celtics exactly what they need.