Video: Celtics' Avery Bradley hits circus shot from behind the backboard vs. Bucks

http://youtu.be/e1OmNan1EuI

Celtics guard Avery Bradley hit an improbable circus shot from behind the backboard during the first quarter of a Tuesday game against the Bucks.

This highlight-reel shot had everything to do with quick-thinking and quality improvisation.

With a little more than six minutes remaining in the first quarter and the Celtics leading 18-9, Jared Sullinger put up a mid-range jumper from the left wing. Bradley crashed the offensive glass from the top of the key immediately upon Sullinger's release, but the shot never caromed off for a putback dunk opportunity because it wound up being an airball.

Bradley adjusted quickly, leaping high to catch the bounce off the ground even though his momentum was carrying him out of bounds towards the baseline. While twisting back towards the court in mid-air, Bradley clutched and released a high-arcing prayer that skied over the backboard and swished through. The shot, which just barely beat the 24-second shot clock, drew oohs and aahs from the TD Garden crowd and brought Boston's bench to its feet in appreciation.

The fourth-year guard is a career 43.7 percent shooter and his reputation as an on-ball defender has always surpassed his reputation as an offensive threat. This season, Bradley is averaging a career-high 12.7 points as the rebuilding Celtics make due without starting point guard Rajon Rondo, who is still sidelined with a knee injury.

Video via YouTube user beyondthebuzzercom | Hat tip: EyeOnBasketball