1. Bouncing again.
A fast look on the last rating would let you know the Celtics dominated this sport. Ultimately, that was the case, however they obtained off to a different sluggish begin and labored their means again as soon as once more. The start of the first quarter was truthfully onerous to observe. Derrick White has grow to be synonymous with making the suitable play, so his three turnovers and two fast fouls had been extraordinarily uncharacteristic. That could be uncommon for Derrick, however with the turnover struggles Boston had in opposition to the Hawks, it was worrisome that they might observe that up with an analogous efficiency. The Celtics solely turned the ball over 4 extra instances after that although, and so they discovered success in a variety of other 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 bear in mind it, he actively reminded the Nets of that truth all sport lengthy.
Because the Celtics sleepwalked by means of the first quarter, Tatum determined to get up.
Jayson scored 11 factors within the last 2:15 of the quarter, nearly single-handedly reducing the Nets lead from 11 to down to only 2. Enjoying everything of the primary has grow to be the norm for Tatum, and it’s led to a variety of massive 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 capturing 12/19 (63.2%) from the sphere.
His all-around influence was equally spectacular, ending with 9 rebounds and 10 assists. This has nearly grow to be 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 usually went so far as they might take them. With the overwhelming expertise of this squad, there’s all the time somebody that may choose 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 straight on the rim.
Brown can win with any mixture of power, athleticism and finesse. When he decides it’s time for some bully ball, there’s actually not a lot that may be carried out 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, knocking down 12 rebounds. The Jays combining for 21 boards was an enormous cause the Celtics completed with a considerable lead within the rebound column. Their dedication to impacting the sport in a number of sides is what makes this combo one of many perfect 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 variety of strain off of him, however Payton has advanced right into a participant that’s fully comfy growing his utilization.
His shot eating regimen has a ton of selection now with extra self-creation and motion capturing alternatives.
Boston additionally appears to be in search of him way more usually to push the tempo and set the desk in transition. He’s not essentially the most inventive passer at his place, however he could make sensible selections when taking part in with tempo.
Pritchard has given the Celtics almost flawless bench minutes this season.
5. Brooklyn and the Ewing Idea.
Should you’re not acquainted, the Ewing Idea means that the absence of a star participant can truly result in extra success for the group. This Nets group seems like a first-rate 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 position 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 could not end the season within the playoff hunt, however first yr 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 linked and energized protection. They compelled just a few turnovers and turned their protection into factors on the opposite finish.
They paired nice protection with extra function on offense, and the sport began to get out of hand shortly.
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 thus far has been taking part in that sort of protection extra constantly, however they’ve proved able to flipping that swap immediately.
7. The bigs on a Horford relaxation evening.
This was an fascinating evening for the Celtics facilities. Queta obtained the nod because the starter, however he was pulled shortly after two early fouls. Kornet obtained the subsequent 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 an alternative, 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 middle 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 far more useful when the remainder of the group is clicking. They are often counted on to play their position, however they nonetheless want a little bit of help 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 tough to actually shut this offense down for a full 48 minutes.
The primary play begins off with Tatum screening for Derrick White. It is 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 broad open within the nook, which leaves Queta as the one risk. 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 state of affairs.
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 finest to play the lob and the drive. Jrue is simply 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 desires to function. These two possessions had been nice examples of how onerous it’s to sluggish them down. Few groups have the quantity of gamers that may comfortably function each the roll man or the ball handler in these eventualities.
9. Hauser took the lid off the ring.
It has been a bumpy begin to the yr for Sam Hauser. His shot has not fairly been there, and it seems like he’s nonetheless working by means of the again subject that price him just a few video games. This was an amazing displaying 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 carry him confidence. He adopted it up with a tough pull-up 3 that ripped by means 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 rhythm. His ordinary capturing subsequent to this model of Pritchard could be huge for his or her bench.
10. Let’s go, Celtics!
It’s grow to be a little bit of a practice 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 one among these groups, however I can’t assist however take pleasure in it. The truth that this might 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 permit one other fan base to take over their house.
