New Green With Envy podcast: Mazzulla’s Lineups, Drop Defense, and Tatum Struggles

On this episode of Green With Envy, hosts Will Weir (@willbon13) and Greg Maneikis (@miniminoe) analyze the Celtics lackluster efficiency in a Finals rematch with the Golden State Warriors. (0:00-8:00) Celtics drop protection (08:00-18:00) Mazzulla’s finish of sport lineups (18:00-23:00) Tatum’s struggles (24:00-31:00) Clippers preview (31:00-38:00) Lakers preview (38:00-48:00) White Lotus finale (48:00-END), and Will experiences an earthquake in Mexico Metropolis!

After being one of many solely consistent offensive forces within the first half, Malcolm Brogdon didn’t see a lot motion within the second. He solely performed 8 minutes within the second half and simply 2:26 within the 4th quarter. In a sport by which Jayson Tatum was fully in his personal head (hey, it occurs), and Marcus Good was making questionable selections and simply by no means appeared to have a pulse on the best way to get the Celtics simple appears, Coach Mazzulla appeared to overlook he now has different methods to generate offense.

Plain and easy, Brogdon must be on the courtroom when it issues most. It’s a tricky choice to make as a coach, and possibly it’s too early within the season to bench a man like Good in such a giant sport, but when “nothing gets in the way of winning,” then Mazzulla must develop the boldness to play Brogdon over Good in sure end-of-game conditions. If a man as gifted as Brogdon is humble sufficient to finish video games on the bench, different guys ought to observe go well with. I’ve a sense it’ll occur sooner or later this 12 months, and I imagine Good will reply as a pacesetter ought to. This SHOULDN’T be an issue, however till Mazzulla does it, we’ll by no means know.

Photograph by Jeff Haynes/NBAE through Getty Pictures

Derrick White has been great all season, however over the previous couple of weeks his defensive ability set is beginning to shine. What number of guards block a Kyrie Irving layup and a Steph Curry three? What number of guards glass a hard-driving Draymond Inexperienced? His potential to guard the rim with well timed rotations and lengthy arms has made for some spotlight performs, however it’s the countless motor that has impressed most. Re: the Brogdon dialog above, Mazzulla seemingly selected White over Brogdon down the stretch because of his defensive influence containing Steph Curry.

What number of occasions on the published did the 2 former NBA coaches point out the madness of taking part in a deep drop protection in opposition to the Splash Brothers? I’m okay with taking part in drop at occasions, particularly when it’s essential take care of the scale of Kevon Looney on the boards, however I’d additionally choose maintaining rhythm gamers out of rhythm. Klay Thompson seemed like peak Klay and it’s not a shock contemplating he walked into about 10 wide open jumpers and was capable of play comfy all night time. I imply, simply take into consideration the top of the primary half when the Celtics closed the hole. That was 100% the results of a extra aggressive scheme, placing the Warriors on their heels. The subsequent time the Celtics play the Warriors, I’d prefer to see that drop protection a bit extra shallow, or see Mazzulla swap methods ahead of he adjusted on this contest.

Tune into right now’s episode for a deep dive into all of those matters and extra, and remember to observe the boys @greenenvypod on social media. Drop a remark and go away a evaluation!