10 takeaways from the third win against the Detroit Pistons

#1 – Jaylen Brown passing on show

As we’ve observed in earlier video games, Jaylen Brown’s passing and post-up quantity have elevated this yr. To attain the Boston Celtics’ first basket, we noticed a terrific instance of this. Brown used his power and deal with to pressure his method to the rim, appeal to defensive consideration within the paint, and ship a gorgeous move to Porzingis, who was large open past the three-point line.

A couple of minutes later, the Finals MVP supplied one other instance of his improved passing and dealing with. With a dwell dribble skip move from his proper hand to the nook, Brown confirmed that he’s taken a major step towards changing into a playmaker.

We even witnessed a slick behind-the-back help to Jrue Vacation for a three-pointer. Whereas Brown’s passing numbers point out there’s nonetheless room for development, Celtics followers can take delight in seeing him frequently add new weapons to his ability set.

#2 – Defending Payton Pritchard…

The Celtics know loads about searching mismatches. Nonetheless, with Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser out, Payton Pritchard has needed to play extra minutes than traditional. Groups have began concentrating on Pritchard, as he’s the smallest participant on the Celtics’ roster. However this technique is tougher to execute than groups may assume.

First, Pritchard is a tricky defensive participant. Jrue Vacation as soon as stated Pritchard was the hardest man to assault throughout Celtics coaching. His toughness, robust legs, and low middle of gravity make him tougher to use. Nonetheless, the Celtics nonetheless goal to guard him, using some refined defensive performs to make sure he isn’t focused.

For instance, the Celtics switched off-ball to forestall the Detroit Pistons from isolating him within the submit. Normally, the Celtics swap off-ball to maintain the roamer (usually Porzingis or Queta) as near the rim as doable. On this case, the strategy was reversed, however the objective remained the identical: shield the rim and guarantee no one will get hunted.

Generally, the Celtics can’t swap Pritchard away. When this occurs, they crowd the paint to shut driving lanes, making it almost unimaginable to assault him successfully.

#3 – …so he can ship on offense

The Celtics are keen to guard Pritchard in any respect prices due to what he brings on offense. He delivered one other wonderful efficiency, capturing over 60% true capturing on 20 makes an attempt, together with 10 assists.

As traditional, his presence on the ground correlated with a robust offensive efficiency by the staff. With him on the courtroom final night time, the Celtics posted a 134 offensive ranking. Over the past two seasons, the staff’s offensive ranking has improved by +6 factors per 100 possessions when he’s on the ground (per Cleansing the Glass).

A spotlight of his sport final night time was his playmaking. Whereas a few of his assists had been easy, he additionally made spectacular reads, similar to an alley-oop to Kornet or the move talked about above that gave Walsh an open shot. His measurement will at all times restrict sure passing angles, however his pace and improved courtroom imaginative and prescient counsel his contributions may very well be much more precious sooner or later.

#4 – Second-quarter run

From 37-33 to 59-42, the Celtics created a spot within the second quarter to make sure they may relaxation their starters early. After a stretch of robust video games in a brief interval, the Celtics capitalized on the chance to preserve power. How did they do it? By sticking to their traditional sport plan.

Utilizing staggered screens to pressure mismatches and create gaps, the Celtics generated optimum scoring alternatives. With stacked screens set by Pritchard and Porzingis whereas Brown dealt with the ball, the Pistons had been trapped. They couldn’t assist from the baseline, as Derrick White and Jrue Vacation had been stationed within the corners, forcing Detroit to change.

This resulted in three simultaneous mismatches: Brown in opposition to Cade Cunningham, Porzingis overpowering Tobias Harris within the submit, and Isaiah Stewart struggling to defend Pritchard on the perimeter. The Celtics might then decide their most popular choice and rating with ease.

#5 – Transition protection is again?

Final night time was a masterclass in transition protection—arguably the most effective performances throughout the NBA this season. The Celtics not solely restricted the Pistons’ transition quantity but in addition destroyed their transition effectivity.

They held their opponents to simply 50 factors per 100 possessions in transition, a formidable feat showcasing the staff’s focus, teamwork, and hustle. Joe Mazzulla should be thrilled with this show.

#6 – Kristaps Porzingis’ gravity and passing are killing defenses

Within the trendy NBA, gamers create spacing in numerous methods, and Porzingis’ strategy is exclusive. One in every of his underrated abilities is passing. Along with his measurement, he can function as a hub and ship passes over defenders with precision.

On the play above, Brown didn’t want the ball in his arms to be a risk. He minimize to the rim round Porzingis, who timed the move completely, producing three straightforward factors from a easy sequence. One other instance concerned Luke receiving the ball from Porzingis, chopping, and kicking out to the nook—a testomony to Porzingis’ means to see the ground and facilitate.

Whereas his passing quantity might improve, the Celtics may be capable of develop this side of his sport, unlocking one other device to break down defenses.

#7 – No new highlights within the Derrick White vs. Cade Cunningham duel

As Mark Aboyoun famous on CelticsBlog, the continuing duel between Cade Cunningham and Derrick White has been fascinating. In earlier video games, Cunningham posterized White, who responded with emphatic blocks.

Nonetheless, final night time’s encounter was comparatively quiet, with solely this post-up second standing out. With the Celtics dominating early, followers must look forward to the following matchup to see this rivalry reignite.

#8 – Boston’s unselfishness

After the sport, John-Blair “J.B.” Bickerstaff praised the Celtics, calling them probably the most unselfish groups he’s seen.

Final night time, 73% of Boston’s subject targets had been assisted. Whereas the Celtics lead the league in isolation quantity, their ball motion stays elite. With each participant logging over 10 minutes recording an help, this sport highlighted the staff’s collective playmaking means.

#9 – Three-point protection

The Pistons’ three-point effectivity dropped dramatically from 36% to 18% in opposition to the Celtics. After two video games capturing over 50% from deep (in opposition to Boston and New York), Detroit was stifled by Boston’s improved rotations and defensive changes.

Whereas early-season noise questioned the Celtics’ defensive capabilities, final night time they showcased flashes of the elite protection that outlined them final yr.

#10 – Drew Peterson on the rise

One rising storyline is the rise of Drew Peterson. Final night time, he logged almost 20 minutes, incomes Joe Mazzulla’s confidence and outpacing Jordan Walsh and Queta in taking part in time.

Although his sport can really feel disjointed as he overthinks performs, Peterson demonstrated promising flashes of playmaking. His mixture of size and deal with makes him a possible connector.

His scoring stays a query mark. Whereas he confirmed good contact throughout his NCAA profession, his effectivity is restricted (54% true capturing). Can he become an elite shooter and connector? Time will inform, however the potential is thrilling.