1. Bouncing again.
A fast look on the closing rating would let you know the Celtics dominated this sport. Ultimately, that was the case, however they bought off to a different gradual begin and labored their approach again as soon as once more. The start of the first quarter was actually onerous to observe. Derrick White has turn into synonymous with making the fitting play, so his three turnovers and two fast fouls have been extraordinarily uncharacteristic. That could be uncommon for Derrick, however with the turnover struggles Boston had towards the Hawks, it was worrisome that they might observe that up with the same efficiency. The Celtics solely turned the ball over 4 extra instances after that although, they usually discovered success in a whole lot of alternative ways.
2. Tatum answered the decision.
This was a type of nights the place Tatum remembers he’s the very best participant on the ground. He didn’t simply keep in mind it, he actively reminded the Nets of that truth all sport lengthy.
Because the Celtics sleepwalked by way of the first quarter, Tatum determined to get up.
Jayson scored 11 factors within the closing 2:15 of the quarter, virtually single-handedly slicing the Nets lead from 11 to down to simply 2. Taking part in the whole lot of the primary has turn into the norm for Tatum, and it’s led to a whole lot of large scoring outbursts. Most significantly, it permits him to really feel out the sport and work himself right into a rhythm.
As the sport went on, Tatum didn’t decelerate. He delivered as a scorer ending with 36 factors whereas taking pictures 12/19 (63.2%) from the sphere.
His all-around affect was equally spectacular, ending with 9 rebounds and 10 assists. This has virtually turn into common for him at this stage in his profession, nevertheless it’s removed from regular. Watching Tatum attain these heights nonetheless feels surreal.
3. Jaylen was proper there with him.
The Celtics haven’t needed to actually too closely on Brown and Tatum to hold the majority of the offense. In earlier years, the group sometimes went so far as they might take them. With the overwhelming expertise of this squad, there’s all the time somebody that may decide up the scoring when wanted. This sport required each of the Jays to get issues going although.
Jaylen scored 13 factors within the 2nd quarter to place the C’s forward by 5 going into the half, a lead that they might in the end by no means surrender. Brown is a extremely efficient 3-level scorer, however a majority of his offense got here immediately on the rim.
Brown can win with any mixture of energy, athleticism and finesse. When he decides it’s time for some bully ball, there’s actually not a lot that may be performed to cease it. This has additionally been an enormous enhance to Jaylen’s free throw makes an attempt, with him and Tatum each taking 9 apiece.
He was very spectacular on the glass too, flattening 12 rebounds. The Jays combining for 21 boards was an enormous purpose the Celtics completed with a considerable lead within the rebound column. Their dedication to impacting the sport in a number of aspects is what makes this combo one of many best possible within the NBA.
4. Perhaps Scal was proper.
Alright…I can’t go that far, however Pritchard’s success because the sixth man does make you marvel what he’d seem like as a full-time starter. Boston’s stars take a whole lot of stress off of him, however Payton has developed right into a participant that’s utterly snug rising his utilization.
His shot weight loss program has a ton of selection now with extra self-creation and motion taking pictures alternatives.
Boston additionally appears to be searching for him much more typically to push the tempo and set the desk in transition. He’s not probably the most inventive passer at his place, however he could make good selections when taking part in with tempo.
Pritchard has given the Celtics almost flawless bench minutes this season.
5. Brooklyn and the Ewing Idea.
In case you’re not acquainted, the Ewing Idea means that the absence of a star participant can really result in extra success for the group. This Nets group seems to be like a primary instance of how that works.
With the commerce of their star Mikal Bridges, the pecking order grew to become much less inflexible. Cam Thomas stays the group’s major scorer, however there’s extra room for everybody to contribute. Schröder and Cam Johnson have elevated their video games with bigger roles. Then there’s quite a lot of function gamers which have the liberty to step up, like Ziaire Williams who scored 23 factors on this sport.
There’s going to be some hierarchy that kinds on the high, however after that it turns into extra unpredictable. This makes it harder to plan for them, and that has made them a group that may’t be taken flippantly. They might not end the season within the playoff hunt, however first 12 months head coach Jordi Fernandez has the Nets taking part in good basketball and compelled Boston to take them critically in each matchups.
6. Protection fuels an enormous third quarter.
After a robust near the half, Boston got here out of the locker room with a extra related and energized protection. They compelled a number of turnovers and turned their protection into factors on the opposite finish.
They paired nice protection with extra objective on offense, and the sport began to get out of hand rapidly.
The quarter was punctuated by an unbelievable lefty block on the rim from Derrick White.
When the Celtics pair this degree of dedication to the defensive finish with their offensive excellence, there’s only a few groups that may grasp with them. The problem up to now has been taking part in that sort of protection extra constantly, however they’ve proved able to flipping that change instantly.
7. The bigs on a Horford relaxation night time.
This was an attention-grabbing night time for the Celtics facilities. Queta bought the nod because the starter, however he was pulled rapidly after two early fouls. Kornet bought the following crack at it, however wasn’t very helpful with Brooklyn opting to assault him on the perimeter. Even with out Horford, Tillman nonetheless wasn’t known as on right here to assist out. As a substitute, Mazzulla caught with it and his two facilities discovered their footing as the sport went on.
It’s going to be a problem to maximise these heart minutes with Horford and Porzingis on the bench, however Boston is getting adequate manufacturing. The important thing, because the 2nd half would present, is that Kornet and Queta are way more useful when the remainder of the group is clicking. They are often counted on to play their function, however they nonetheless want a little bit of assist from the remainder of the group. The Jays battling on the glass is a superb instance of that.
8. An excessive amount of versatility.
Within the means of burying the Nets, Boston’s offensive versatility stood out. A pair of comparable possessions particularly confirmed why it’s so troublesome to actually shut this offense down for a full 48 minutes.
The primary play begins off with Tatum screening for Derrick White. This can be a go-to mixture for the Celtics, and it generates superb outcomes. The Nets determined to get aggressive with their protection right here, sending two to the ball.
This allowed Tatum to slide out into a brief roll, the place he was discovered immediately by DWhite. There’s a lot area to work with right here for JT, however the query for the protection is the place can the assistance come from. You’re most likely not going to go away Brown or Pritchard huge open within the nook, which leaves Queta as the one chance. That’s precisely how issues play out, and Tatum units Queta up with the lob.
On the primary possession of the 4th quarter, they discovered themselves in a well-known scenario.
This time, Jrue is the screener for Payton. Brooklyn places two on the ball once more, and Pritchard finds Vacation on the roll. The Nets once more have restricted choices to assist right here, however Clowney tries his greatest to play the lob and the drive. Jrue is just too good for that to work although, ending over a contest from each side.
There have been loads of cases on this sport of how Boston needs to function. These two possessions have been nice examples of how onerous it’s to gradual them down. Few groups have the quantity of gamers that may comfortably function each the roll man or the ball handler in these situations.
9. Hauser took the lid off the ring.
It has been a bumpy begin to the 12 months for Sam Hauser. His shot has not fairly been there, and it seems to be like he’s nonetheless working by way of the again difficulty that value him a number of video games. This was a terrific exhibiting for him although, and hopefully an indication that he’s prepared to interrupt out of this mini-slump.
His first make helped get the Celtics scoring going, nevertheless it additionally appeared to convey him confidence. He adopted it up with a troublesome pull-up 3 that ripped by way of the web.
It’s not a lot of a shock at this level, however his protection was good too.
That is the kind of efficiency that Hauser can construct off of to get issues heading in the right direction. I’d be okay with him taking 15 3’s if it meant he might get into a great rhythm. His common taking pictures subsequent to this model of Pritchard can be large for his or her bench.
10. Let’s go, Celtics!
It’s turn into a little bit of a convention for this group to be greeted by a sea of inexperienced wherever they’re. They’ll stroll into an opposing group’s enviornment, beat them by 20 and stroll out whereas taking a shower with “Let’s go Celtics!” chants. I think about that is particularly irritating for a fan of considered one of these groups, however I can’t assist however take pleasure in it. The truth that this is able to additionally NEVER occur within the TD Backyard makes it even higher. Celtics followers have been recognized to boo their group for a poor efficiency, however there’s not an opportunity they’d enable one other fan base to take over their residence.
