The Boston Celtics accomplished the most effective second half turnarounds in league historical past this season. Halfway by means of January, the Celtics have been caught round .500, however now they’re one sport away from advancing to The NBA Finals for the primary time since 2010.
Jaylen Brown accomplished an identical turnaround in Saturday night’s 93-80 win over the Miami Heat in Sport 5.
Within the first half, Brown was chargeable for 4 of Bostons’ 10 turnovers, scored solely six factors, and shot simply 2-of-7 from the sphere. Nevertheless, within the second half, Brown was one of many major causes behind the Celtics’ dominant victory.
After the competition, head coach Ime Udoka revealed what he advised Brown after his tough stretch. His message was to cease performing stunned and to be stronger with the ball in his fingers.
You’re performing such as you’re stunned that they’re reaching and poking it from behind. It wasn’t as a lot live-ball turnovers simply making an attempt to make a pleasant cross. It was actually getting taken from us. So, be sturdy with the ball. It’s 5 video games now. We’re having method too lots of most of these turnovers, not being sturdy with the ball within the crowd. He understood that.
Udoka’s recommendation paid off, as Brown was a totally totally different participant after halftime. He dropped a team-high 19 factors on 8-of-12 taking pictures and didn’t commit a single turnover. He continued to stay aggressive, however as Udoka advised him, he stored a noticeably firmer grip on the ball.
Simply have a look at the distinction between these two performs.
Right here, Brown is unfastened with the ball. He opens up his physique to the ground, permitting Victor Oladipo to achieve in and steal it away. These have been the kinds of turnovers that value the Celtics in Sport 3.
However Brown performed with a complete new vitality right here. After halftime, it’s clear that Brown made a concerted effort to guard the ball. Regardless of being in transition, he takes the time to safe the ball with two fingers whereas concurrently avoiding Kyle Lowry. In flip, he’s rewarded with an and-one.
Brown additionally spoke about his turnover points after the sport. Much like what Udoka advised the media, Brown stated it was all about getting settled in.
Simply needed to get settled in. That’s it. As the sport wears on, a few of that vitality, a few of that depth begins to put on off. So, the sport opens up somewhat bit. The sport opened up for me in a second half.
Up to now this postseason, Brown has recorded not less than 4 turnovers in 5 video games. The Celtics have gone 2-3 in these contests. Nevertheless, within the 11 video games he’s had lower than 4, Boston has gone 9-2. (This features a 3-0 document when he data just one turnover.)
The 25-year-old ended the evening main the staff in scoring (25 factors) and plus/minus (+20). He additionally led the evening within the “monster dunk” class, slamming residence what is likely to be the dunk of the playoffs thus far. (Sorry, Andrew Wiggins.)
Along with admitting his personal errors, Brown stated that his staff wanted him to be higher. He talked concerning the significance of transferring ahead somewhat than dwelling on the previous.
I didn’t need to get down. Ididn’t need to look into the previous, assume that this sport was over. My staff wanted me to come back out and reply. First half was s***, I threw it away. Come out and play basketball within the second.
The staff’s turnover stats in wins and losses mirror Brown’s. In wins this postseason, the Celtics are averaging 12.8 turnovers. However in losses, that quantity spikes to 16.0.
Boston can have a possibility to shut out the Warmth on Friday evening in Sport 6. The competition suggestions off at 8:30 p.m. EST and will be streamed on ESPN.
