The Boston Celtics have been in Atlanta final night time and made positive to shut the sport as early as attainable in order that they’d be in form to vote the following day. Going through a fast-paced crew with energetic gamers, the Celtics confirmed they’ll adapt to their opponents.
1. Finest transition sport of the season
Wanting on the Celtics’ double-big lineup towards the high-speed Atlanta Hawks, I used to be nervous the Celtics wouldn’t sustain. But it surely was fairly the alternative.
After a gradual begin, the Celtics grew to become extra aggressive, creating turnovers. Per Cleansing the Glass, 20% of the Hawks’ possessions resulted in turnovers. Following these turnovers, the Celtics created many good alternatives, however much more spectacular was their tempo after a rebound.
On common, NBA groups create a transition alternative on 30% of their defensive rebounds. Final night time in Atlanta, the Celtics generated an try on 51% of their defensive rebounds. They pushed the velocity button laborious, outpacing one of many quickest groups within the league.
2. Velocity to compensate for expertise
When Jayson Tatum was on the bench, the Celtics actually pushed the tempo.
Tatum sat at first of the 2nd quarter, and the Hawks started to provide the Celtics a tough time. To regulate, Joe Mazzulla took a timeout and emphasised operating laborious after a cease.
Within the play above, Queta and Pritchard run off-ball, pressuring the Hawks’ protection. Vacation’s fast display screen on the trailer put the protection on its heels, concurrently Queta, is establishing an exit display screen for Hauser, who reduce to the rim for an open shot due to the spacing and teamwork.
3. Extra pictures on the rim than regular
The Celtics exploited the Hawks’ lack of rim safety properly. Up to now this season, they take 28% of their pictures on the rim with 68% effectivity. Towards Atlanta, that rose to 33% at a 77% effectivity.
This was essential as a result of the Hawks have been in a position to make life troublesome behind the three-point line. However the Celtics took benefit of the Hawks’ aggressive perimeter protection to assault the rim.
In a 5-out excessive publish offense, the Celtics put the ball within the arms of their weakest shooter to create area. Tillman, a robust passer, discovered success within the excessive publish. Round him, Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser, all stable three-point shooters, combined screens. The Hawks targeted so laborious on stopping the three that they left the rim uncovered.
4. One play exhibits why the Hawks’ protection has too many weaknesses
The Celtics exploited the Hawks’ defensive weaknesses with velocity, transition play, and by difficult their perimeter aggression. The Hawks have too many structural points to maintain up. Trae Younger and Clint Capela are simple targets, and even with nice defensive wings, they’ll’t absolutely compensate.
On the play above, Capela stayed within the paint on the weak aspect whereas Younger acquired screened. Zaccharie Risacher stepped up as Queta rolled. Capela tagged the middle, leaving Risacher to contest Vacation’s open three. The Celtics’ spacing, coupled with the Hawks’ defensive liabilities, opened up high quality pictures.
5. Jayson Tatum nonetheless performs like an MVP
Simply one other day on the workplace for Tatum. Within the first half, he relentlessly used his teammates’ screens to focus on Trae Younger on protection, making him work. After 18 minutes, Tatum had scored 26 factors, delivered 4 assists, and was in all places on the court docket.
His exercise on and off-ball was spectacular. When he had the ball, he drove aggressively, breaking down the protection. Off-ball, he moved continually, creating alternatives. Whereas followers might bear in mind his stepbacks and dunks, Tatum’s off-ball influence is exclusive and elevates him.
6. Queta brings power on offense…
The double-big lineup with Queta and Horford was fascinating. Queta provides extra verticality than Kornet or Tillman, which pairs properly with Horford, who can spot up and go away most screens to Queta. He generated seven factors along with his screens and created loads of area. His power, angles, and offensive rebounding additionally made him an ideal lob menace.
Although restricted by his taking pictures, he helps the offense with the small issues which have a big effect.
7. However he’s focused on protection
Whereas optimistic on offense, Queta struggled to suit defensively. Maybe taking part in alongside one other huge doesn’t assist.
Assigned to protect one of many Hawks’ wings whereas Horford matched up with Capela, he stayed near the rim. Nevertheless, the Hawks’ fast, vertical wings nonetheless discovered methods to focus on him early, preserving the sport shut… at the least within the first quarter.
8. Payton Pritchard’s sixth Man of the 12 months case retains rising
What can we count on from a sixth man? Impression the sport as quickly as they hit the ground. Final night time, Pritchard entered with the Celtics up by 1; 40 seconds later, they have been up by 6, with Pritchard scoring 5 straight factors.
This season, he’s scoring at a 67% true taking pictures effectivity and barely turns the ball over. His effort on protection and +16.3 OnCourt +/- influence present his worth, reinforcing Mike Shearer’s confidence in his 6MOY candidacy.
9. The 4th quarter offense was a troublesome watch…
Up by 28 within the fourth quarter, the “Keep Prepared” group struggled offensively. Out of 12 minutes, the Celtics had simply three assisted subject objectives, dedicated seven turnovers, and went 1/11 from three. It was clear Davidson, Scheieman, and Springer nonetheless have to develop offensively.
However with how dominant the Celtics are, they’ll probably get extra possibilities this season.
10. …However the protection was stable
Regardless of offensive struggles, the “Keep Prepared” group performed properly on protection, dealing with a proficient Hawks bench.
Springer and Walsh led the best way, forcing seven turnovers within the ultimate quarter. They’ll look to construct on their defensive efforts and change into more practical within the half-court offense because the season progresses.
