The Boston Celtics went into Wednesday's matchup against the second best team in the West without their most efficient scorer. However, the C's were able to pull together an impressive performance and escape with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, 95-92.

This whole game was tight, with constant lead changes and physical play. The first quarter lacked energy, but had Boston leading 23-18 by the end of it. Former Celtic Jeff Green, who was traded to the Grizzlies on January 12 of this year, made his first appearance against his former team. Green had 11 points and four rebounds in his return to Boston. Memphis used the second quarter to outscore the Celtics, 21-16, and the half was closed out with the score tied at 39.  
The second half was a battle as the officials let both teams play and Boston was able to force 21 turnovers by Memphis in the game. Avery Bradley made his return after injuring his left elbow last week, and he scored 17 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including a clutch go-ahead bucket with 7.6 seconds left in the game. Tony Allen was a thorn in the Celtics' side all evening, as he came off the bench to score 16 points for the Grizzlies and managed to pull down five rebounds.  

It was Celtics rookie Marcus Smart who, although did not have a big game, made big plays when necessary. Smart had two layups in the fourth quarter when the C's were down. The first layup came with 3:54 left in the game off an assist from Kelly Olynyk. Smart was able to pump-fake and make a layup while he was fouled, putting the Celtics up 83-2 before his free-throw made the score 84-82. The second layup was with 51 seconds left in the game off an assist from Evan Turner. Smart made the free-throw to put Boston up, 91-90.

With the ball in Memphis' hands, Jeff Green made a play toward the basket, which was met with a good defensive effort by Tyler Zeller. Zeller was then fouled after getting the rebound and made both his free throws to put Boston up, 93-90. After the free throws by Boston, Jeff Green redeemed himself by knocking down a jump shot and bringing Memphis within one, 93-92. Avery Bradley would not let the Celtics fall, however, and knocked down a critical jump shot over Marc Gasol.  

It's clear Bradley has developed a knack for knocking down big shots, and on a night Boston went without Thomas, Bradley stepped up and led his team to a win.  

Memphis was shooting better than Boston in this game, with a 47 percent clip compared to Boston's 44 percent. Memphis also made a higher percentage of three-point shots and 100 percent of their free throws.  

Boston now pulls within one game of the number eight spot in the East, while Memphis maintains its number two seeding in the tough Western Conference.

The Grizzlies (45-19) play again on Thursday, March 12th, at 7 PM ET against the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, Boston (27-36) will play the Magic on Friday, March 13th, at 7:30 PM ET.