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It was becoming that Sam Hauser scored a career-high 17 factors on an evening the Celtics set a franchise file with 27 made 3-pointers.
It wasn’t a coincidence, both.
Hauser shot 5-of-8 from distance and completed a plus-14 in 21 minutes in Boston’s 133-118 triumph over the Knicks on Saturday. He didn’t power something however was able to let it fly every time he had a sliver of area, as he’s executed all season.
It’s now November, and Hauser remains to be capturing 54.8 p.c from 3-point vary on the season – the fourth-best mark within the NBA. The subsequent sniper to catch? Kelly Olynyk. A fierce battle between two machines.
Hauser is doing extra than simply capturing, although. He’s a team-best plus-64 by means of 9 video games and at all times appears to be in the appropriate place on the proper time. There’s sufficient of a pattern measurement over the previous two seasons to say with certainty that his ascension isn’t a fluke.
If something, it’s the beginning of one thing larger. All a shooter wants is nice passers round him who know how one can discover him in his spots, and Hauser has that after which some.
He’s lights out, and would seemingly have success on most groups, however that is actually an ideal match. After their blistering efficiency Saturday, the Celtics now lead the NBA with 16 3’s per sport.
The best way the offense is ready up, Hauser doesn’t need to do something exterior his consolation zone. He can merely area the ground, relocate when needed, catch pinpoint passes and fireplace away. Marcus Sensible and Malcolm Brogdon are elite passers, and Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Grant Williams are all above-average in that space, too.
Making the additional go is turning into contagious for the Celtics – who completed with 30 assists on 47 made subject objectives towards the Knicks – and Hauser is usually one of many primary beneficiaries.
“Obtained a knock-down shooter over there,” Sensible stated. “It’s powerful so that you can assist off of anyone like him.”
He appears to have developed a very good rapport with Brogdon, who at all times appears to seek out him at precisely the appropriate second. Take a look at this play. Hauser performs stable protection on one finish, takes off, will get to his spot, waits for the go and splashes it.
The Celtics are making a concerted effort to run, which frequently results in straightforward buckets. Certain, Julius Randle is principally asleep right here, however he’s additionally in an unenviable spot. If he collapses on Brogdon, Hauser is open. If he goes to Brown, Hauser is open. If he goes to Hauser, Hauser will both let him fly by and shoot or make the additional go to Brown. It’s not straightforward to defend.
Have a look at the best way Sensible’s hand goes within the air and he begins working down courtroom earlier than the shot goes by means of the online. That’s some Warriors magic proper there.
Right here’s one other one. Have a look at the best way this opens up so organically and superbly. Hauser is an underrated screener, and he is aware of how one can use his physique to generate area. The protection is in a predicament as soon as once more – follow Brown on the slip or stick with Hauser past the arc.
Cam Reddish and Randle (that is when the ultimate patch of Tom Thibodeau’s hair fell out) each observe Brown, which leaves Steph Curry – sorry, Hauser – large open for a glance he’ll make most likely 70-to-80 p.c of the time. Sure, it’s unhealthy protection, however it’s additionally stellar offense.
If you happen to contest the shot, don’t be shocked if he blows by you along with his blazing velocity. Effectively, OK, not fairly blazing, however he can end when he has to. Have a look at his first step and contact across the rim right here. Not too shabby.
He’s not going to wow anybody along with his dribbling skill, put up protection or rebounding, however he’s not a legal responsibility in any of these areas. Hauser is aware of how one can defend intelligently, use his strengths to his benefit and conceal his weaknesses.
When different groups assault him, they’re scoring often however not as usually as they most likely count on to. He’s earned common minutes by executing at each ends. Do not be shocked if he continues to play increasingly.
“We’re happy with Sam,” Sensible stated. “Not only for his offense, however the best way he holds himself on the defensive finish as effectively. He understands that lots of people are going to attempt to choose on him on the defensive finish, however he’s consistently working and his confidence goes by means of the roof.”
Hauser is a superb NBA function participant and top-of-the-line pure shooters within the NBA. Keep in mind when the Celtics wanted a wing who might bury 3’s? Overlook James Younger, overlook Abdel Nader, overlook Max Strus, overlook Aaron Nesmith.
Enter Sam Hauser. He’s not going wherever.
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