WALTHAM, Mass. -- When Boston Celtics rookie Jordan Mickey subbed in for the final 1 minute, 51 seconds of Wednesday's lopsided win over the Memphis Grizzlies, teammate Jae Crowder issued a half-joking challenge: Get a block.
So when Mickey shuffled over with help defense and blocked a JaMychal Green layup attempt with 47 seconds to play, Crowder stood up in front of the Boston bench and raised his hand in the air. When Mickey blocked Green's putback attempt, Crowder emphatically pumped his fist and teammates Jared Sullinger and Isaiah Thomas stood up as well, almost like they knew what was coming next.