10 takeaways from the Celtics sweeping the Bucks

#1 – Jayson Tatum’s playmaking

The extra I watch Jayson Tatum this yr, the extra I’m satisfied he might need taken the ultimate step in his playmaking evolution. This season, his deal with is tighter than ever, and his passing has additionally improved. This provides him the flexibility to be much more affected person when studying the court docket whereas dealing with the ball.

Previously, opponents might disrupt his offense by sending two gamers his method, forcing him to surrender the ball. This yr, that technique doesn’t work anymore. His left hand has developed right into a official playmaking weapon. A participant of his dimension, able to skipping a go with both hand off the stay dribble and discovering small openings within the protection from all angles—that is greatness.

The extra I give it some thought, with Denver struggling to win persistently, we could be witnessing Jayson Tatum’s first MVP marketing campaign. Thrilling occasions forward.

#2 – A fourth-quarter masterclass from JT

Talking of MVP campaigns, they’re usually outlined by iconic moments. This fourth quarter may very well be one in every of them. In the course of the remaining 12 minutes, Tatum scored 14 factors, delivered three assists, and didn’t miss a single shot. An ideal ending.

The Celtics started the quarter down by 4 however have been up by three only one minute in. What occurred? Jayson Tatum, women and gents. Two open pull-up threes, courtesy of Queta’s wonderful screens. With the Bucks opting to drop the pick-and-roll protection utilizing Lopez, the Celtics knew it was time to press the pull-up button—they usually executed.

On protection, Tatum shone as properly. He slowed down Giannis on post-ups, supplied nail assist, and defended Damian Lillard in isolation.

As talked about in #1, his passing and playmaking have been on level, and when it mattered most, he created the preliminary gaps that brought about the Bucks’ protection to break down, opening up photographs for his teammates.

#3 – Lillard bullied, as common

Damian Lillard could be the Celtics’ favourite goal. Repeatedly, they attacked him on offense and labored to choose him early on protection. In a single sequence, after posting him up, the Celtics despatched Jaylen Brown to hound him full-court. By the top of the possession, Lillard was on the ground, visibly worn out by Boston’s relentless effort.

Don’t suppose it’s straightforward to focus on Lillard—the Bucks actively attempt to restrict switches. Nonetheless, the Celtics’ teaching workers is resourceful, using inventive actions to crack defensive shells.

One instance is their use of the Spain pick-and-roll. The Celtics used it to both open the rim for the roll-man, create an open three for the second screener, or, as proven right here, power the swap.

#4 – Lillard looking Queta

Nonetheless, Lillard can be an amazing hunter. Regardless of his defensive struggles, he had a robust offensive sport final evening, utilizing his excessive utilization fee effectively with minimal turnovers. A method he generated offense was by punishing the Celtics’ comfortable switching with Queta on the court docket.

This technique has been a recurring concern for the Celtics. Queta struggles in drop protection, so the group prefers to have him swap. Whereas he often flashes defensive brilliance on guards, the Celtics would possibly want various schemes to guard him from being focused.

One risk is using a roaming strategy, with the opposite 4 gamers pre-switching to make sure Queta stays near the rim.

#5 – The Bucks’ late-double protection

Talking of defensive schemes, the Bucks tried numerous pick-and-roll coverages towards the Celtics. One notable tactic was the late double. (No, it’s not a espresso with lot of additional milk—that might be a double latte—however I digress.)

The late double entails an preliminary swap on the ball handler, adopted by a delayed double-team. This technique cancels the hole the offense creates whereas disrupting move by sending a second defender. It’s just like blitz protection however executed in two steps.

At first, the Celtics struggled to generate their common appears towards this scheme, however they ultimately tailored. As soon as once more, Tatum’s progress and wonderful teaching have been the keys to breaking by way of the Bucks’ experiments.

#6 – ATO to punish Bucks’ refusal to change

The Celtics additionally showcased good after-timeout (ATO) performs to take advantage of the Bucks’ reluctance to change. When defenses keep away from switching, they danger leaving gamers behind the play after being caught on screens.

One such ATO featured a number of screens: a ram display screen for Tatum by Queta, who instantly set a flare display screen for Derrick White. This triggered staggered screens on the wing for Sam Hauser, permitting him to lose Portis and get an open look. Later within the sport, the Celtics ran the identical play once more—with comparable success.

#7 – Al Horford: the Giannis stopper

Over three video games towards the Bucks, Horford matched up with Giannis on 112 possessions, limiting him to 44 factors on 45 field-goal makes an attempt. Giannis additionally earned simply six free throws, highlighting Horford’s skill to neutralize bodily, contact-driven offense.

At 38 years outdated, Horford stays among the best defenders within the NBA. Like legends Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, he makes use of his intelligence, size, and physicality to impression the sport late in his profession.

#8 – 1 / 4 with out made threes

For the primary time this season, the Celtics didn’t hit a three-pointer in a single quarter—the second quarter of final evening’s sport. They tried 12 threes however missed all of them.

What might have been an issue as a substitute showcased the Celtics’ skill to adapt. They took 11 makes an attempt within the paint in the course of the quarter and drew six free throws, displaying wonderful rim strain.

Even when the threes don’t fall, Boston proves it will probably nonetheless discover methods to generate offense.

#9 – Jrue Vacation’s “quiet” 20/5/6 sport

Jrue Vacation quietly delivered one in every of his finest video games as a Celtic: 20 factors, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on simply 14 photographs. Add in his elite protection, and it was a whole efficiency.

Vacation additionally helped create offensive alternatives, setting screens to assault mismatches and break down the Bucks’ protection. His spotlight of the evening? A dagger floater after faking out Khris Middleton late within the sport.

#10 – Khris Middleton’s PTSD-inducing begin

It’s nice to see Khris Middleton again on the court docket—except you’re a Celtics fan. Too many reminiscences of Middleton being unstoppable vs. the Boston Celtics over the past decade.

His easy offensive contact was on show early, with a four-point play and a pull-up jumper that briefly made Jrue Vacation look misplaced.

Fortuitously for Boston, Middleton cooled off, lacking his subsequent a number of makes an attempt and ending with simply 11 factors. Whereas he’s sluggish on protection, his offensive expertise might nonetheless elevate the Bucks to an elite degree.