The Celtics were in possession of a 17-point lead as the third quarter’s midpoint neared. One more mortal wound could put Charlotte out of its misery.
Kyrie Irving had the ball. In other words, the prospects were good.
He drove at Kemba Walker, taking him to the elbow at the right edge of the free throw line. Walker stayed with him, so Irving stopped and did a quarter-turn back with a spin dribble. Then he up-faked and did another clockwise twist to the left.
Irving turned back as the 24-second clock was nearing its end and threw in a 20-foot fadeaway over the outstretched hand of Walker, who couldn’t have done any more without committing assault.