10 takeaways from Kristaps Porziņģis’ comeback vs. the Clippers

#1 – Brad Stevens isn’t glad with the Celtics’ defensive stage but

Within the second quarter, Brad Stevens shared a few of his basketball insights in the course of the NBC Sports activities Boston broadcast. Whereas the sport unfolded, Stevens’ working commentary on the Celtics’ protection was significantly telling.

Every time the Clippers scored on the rim, Stevens would mutter, “Hmm, one other layup.” When Joe Mazzulla referred to as a timeout after an open three, Stevens instantly authorised, noting the protection wasn’t as sharp because it wanted to be. After a layup by Ivica Zubac, Stevens commented once more, prompting Brian Scalabrine to ask if he’d be saying the identical if he have been on the bench.

Stevens admitted the staff isn’t on the defensive stage he envisions, highlighting rim safety as a major concern. He praised the offense for producing high quality appears however reiterated that defensive consistency, significantly on the rim, stays the main focus.

As they mentioned the NBA’s evolving slicing habits, Jrue Vacation executed a well timed lower, creating an open nook three for Jaylen Brown—an ideal instance of how offensive ways can evolve.

Listening to Stevens analyze the sport in real-time is all the time a deal with.

#2 – Kristaps Porziņģis restores some rim safety

As Stevens famous, the Celtics’ rim safety has been a weak level this season. They’ve fallen from fifth within the league final 12 months to twenty fourth, permitting opponents to shoot 69% on the rim earlier than final night time.

Towards the Clippers, that determine dropped to 60%. Whereas it’s just one sport—and the Clippers’ offense isn’t elite, particularly with out Norman Powell—it showcased Porziņģis’ impression.

Drop protection has been an Achilles’ heel for the Celtics, however Porziņģis’ return provides versatility to their pick-and-roll protection, permitting them to combine coverages and disrupt opponents extra successfully.

Porziņģis’ size and agility introduced the rim safety the Celtics have sorely wanted. If this development continues, Brad Stevens may lastly see the defensive progress he’s been in search of.

#3 – The cuts are again

Final season, Porziņģis’ passing means from the three-point line and the publish unlocked key offensive choices for the Celtics. With out him, the staff has struggled to stress the rim successfully, rating twenty eighth in rim frequency with simply 25% of their photographs coming within the paint.

Final night time, the Celtics elevated their quantity on the rim whereas sustaining effectivity. Porziņģis’ return improved spacing, which helped generate alternatives like this baseline lower from Jaylen Brown, resulting in free throws:

Sam Hauser and Porziņģis’ gravity, mixed with Brown’s fast off-ball motion, put important stress on the Clippers’ protection.

#4 – Various play calls to create threes

The Celtics as soon as once more excelled from past the arc, because of Joe Mazzulla’s artistic play calls. The return of Porziņģis’ pick-and-pop motion was a spotlight, exploiting the Clippers’ drop protection:

A traditional pindown motion for Sam Hauser showcased his spectacular footwork and execution. Observe how fast Queta set the display as quickly because the ball transfer in direction of Jayson Tatum:

In one other sequence, Hauser set a flare display for Derrick White earlier than sprinting right into a handoff with Neemias Queta, creating an open three:

Lastly, a sideline out-of-bounds play confirmed the Celtics’ playbook variety. Porziņģis set a display, dragging defenders into the paint, whereas Jaylen Brown lower to the publish. The ball motion ended with a Porziņģis help to White for an open three:

The great thing about these performs lies of their precision, motion, and decision-making—not simply capturing quantity.

#5 – Craig Luschenat’s play name energized the bench

Talking of play calls, the Celtics bench erupted in pleasure after a well-designed play final night time.

Apparently, the play was drawn up by Craig Luschenat, the previous Director of Participant Growth and now an Assistant Coach. Gamers like Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet’s enthusiastic reactions replicate the respect and appreciation Luschenat instructions among the many staff.

This second underscores the synergy between the teaching workers and gamers.

#6 – Porziņģis provides a brand new post-up dimension

Porziņģis’ versatility was on full show. Within the first half, he thrived in pick-and-pop and spot-up conditions, however the second half noticed him dominate within the publish.

Utilizing mismatches, Porziņģis drew free throws and completed over smaller defenders, demonstrating why he was one of many league’s most effective post-up gamers final season.

His means to break down defenses opens up the ground for the Celtics’ shooters.

#7 – Jayson Tatum’s magic help

Talking of post-ups, Jayson Tatum delivered a highlight-worthy help. With Derrick Jones Jr. closing in, Tatum discovered an open Payton Pritchard with a no-look go—pure MVP-caliber creativity.

#8 – Neemias Queta’s bounce-back sport

After a DNP towards the Timberwolves, Queta was given some minutes behind Porzingis, and he delivered. Because the Clippers had non-shooters on the courtroom, Queta can be utilized as a roamer and stay near the rim, and he’s fairly good at it.

Queta additionally displayed improved defensive consciousness, containing drives and disrupting lob makes an attempt following a pindown motion:

Whereas it’s a small pattern, Queta’s improvement could possibly be essential in video games the place Al Horford rests.

#9 – Jordan Walsh’s defensive potential

Whereas we’re for the time being of the sport we’re wanting on the bench, let’s speak about Jordan Walsh’s spectacular protection. It’s fairly uncommon to be fast and lengthy sufficient to have the ability to block a step-back jumper.

Even towards a confirmed NBA participant like Terance Mann, Jordan is ready to keep linked, comprise the drive and explode vertically to dam the lay-up.

Nevertheless, Walsh’s offensive sport nonetheless lags behind. Whereas he exhibits flashes of driving potential, his inflexible deal with and lack of polish make it troublesome for him to crack the rotation.

#10 – Cookies & Cream are again

Lastly, we received the Jaylen Brown–Kristaps Porziņģis connection we’ve been ready for, capped by an exquisite alley-oop.