#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 power to be much more affected person when studying the court docket whereas dealing with the ball.
Up to now, opponents may disrupt his offense by sending two gamers his approach, 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 measurement, able to skipping a move with both hand off the dwell 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 is likely to 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 typically outlined by iconic moments. This fourth quarter could possibly be considered one of them. Through the last 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 glorious 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—and so they executed.
On protection, Tatum shone as effectively. He slowed down Giannis on post-ups, offered 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 triggered the Bucks’ protection to break down, opening up pictures for his teammates.
#3 – Lillard bullied, as common
Damian Lillard is likely to be the Celtics’ favourite goal. Again and again, they attacked him on offense and labored to select him early on protection. In a single sequence, after posting him up, the Celtics despatched Jaylen Brown to hound him full-court. By the tip of the possession, Lillard was on the ground, visibly worn out by Boston’s relentless effort.
Don’t assume it’s simple 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 searching Queta
Nonetheless, Lillard can also be an amazing hunter. Regardless of his defensive struggles, he had a powerful offensive recreation final evening, utilizing his excessive utilization fee effectively with minimal turnovers. A method he generated offense was by punishing the Celtics’ tender switching with Queta on the court docket.
This technique has been a recurring difficulty for the Celtics. Queta struggles in drop protection, so the workforce prefers to have him swap. Whereas he sometimes flashes defensive brilliance on guards, the Celtics would possibly want various schemes to guard him from being focused.
One chance is using a roaming method, 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 in opposition to 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 includes 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 much like blitz protection however executed in two steps.
At first, the Celtics struggled to generate their common seems in opposition to this scheme, however they finally tailored. As soon as once more, Tatum’s development and glorious teaching have been the keys to breaking via the Bucks’ experiments.
#6 – ATO to punish Bucks’ refusal to change
The Celtics additionally showcased sensible after-timeout (ATO) performs to use the Bucks’ reluctance to change. When defenses keep away from switching, they threat 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 recreation, the Celtics ran the identical play once more—with related success.
#7 – Al Horford: the Giannis stopper
Over three video games in opposition to 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 capacity to neutralize bodily, contact-driven offense.
At 38 years previous, Horford stays the most effective 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 did not hit a three-pointer in a single quarter—the second quarter of final evening’s recreation. They tried 12 threes however missed all of them.
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What may have been an issue as an alternative showcased the Celtics’ capacity to adapt. They took 11 makes an attempt within the paint through the quarter and drew six free throws, displaying glorious rim strain.
Even when the threes don’t fall, Boston proves it could nonetheless discover methods to generate offense.
#9 – Jrue Vacation’s “quiet” 20/5/6 recreation
Jrue Vacation quietly delivered considered one of his finest video games as a Celtic: 20 factors, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on simply 14 pictures. Add in his elite protection, and it was an entire 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 recreation.
#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 during the last 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.
Thankfully for Boston, Middleton cooled off, lacking his subsequent a number of makes an attempt and ending with simply 11 factors. Whereas he’s gradual on protection, his offensive expertise may nonetheless elevate the Bucks to an elite degree.
