Sound the alarm. The Celtics, taking part in with out Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, misplaced to Steph Curry and the 7-1 Warriors. Time to panic.
However critically, the easiest way to maneuver ahead after a troublesome loss is by, nicely, transferring ahead. The Celtics (7-2) will get an opportunity to bounce again after they host the sneakily strong Nets (4-4) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The sport could not carry fairly the identical pizzazz because the one earlier than it, however the Nets aren’t any joke. They’re at present tied for third within the Jap Convention and play a quick, fearless type of basketball.
Listed below are three issues to search for as they conflict in an Atlantic Division showdown.
Can Jayson Tatum hold it rolling?
The season is barely 9 video games in, however Tatum has very a lot seemed the a part of a reputable Most Precious Participant candidate thus far.
He’s averaging 30.2 factors, 7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per recreation and has scored 28-plus on all however one event up to now.
One factor I’ve seen recently is how nicely the Celtics make the most of Tatum within the excessive pick-and-roll. They’ll let him function simply in entrance of half court docket, set a display screen and drive the protection to change. When Tatum has a guard on him, he makes use of his power. When he has an enormous on him, he makes use of his pace. When the double comes, he makes the best learn.
It’s easy basketball, however it’s efficient, largely as a result of Tatum’s decision-making has been elite. He’s working in a LeBron James-like function, the place he’s on the hub and every little thing revolves round him. It’s working, and there’s no cause to tweak it for the time being.
Is Neemias Queta changing into a fan favourite?
Just a few years in the past, only some diehard NBA followers outdoors of Sacramento knew of Neemias Queta. Final 12 months, he turned an intriguing title in Celtics circles. This season, he’s on the verge of blossoming right into a fan favourite in Boston.
Queta, who offered 14 factors, 8 rebounds and a couple of blocks in 28 minutes Wednesday, is figuring it out recreation by recreation. He’s not fairly Robert Williams III but, however he does have some Williams-like tendencies and traits.
The following step for him is bettering his ending on the rim, and which means sharpening his 3-to-5-footer. If he turns into a severe risk to attain on extra than simply lobs, be careful. It’s clear he’s earned head coach Joe Mazzulla’s belief within the brief time period and turn out to be a challenge long run.
Can they comprise Cam Thomas and Dennis Schröder?
In case you thought you had been lastly carried out watching Dennis Schröder for some time as soon as the Olympics had been over, I remorse to tell you that he’s now on the Brooklyn Nets.
And sure, he’s taking part in nicely. Very nicely, really. Schröder is averaging 19.9 factors and seven.3 assists and has earned minutes over Ben Simmons (sorry, I’ll go away Simmons out of this).
Requested Dennis Schroder whether or not he feels the Nets veterans had been ignored coming into the season:
“We do not actually care what individuals suppose, what they are saying. We consider on this group, and all people desires to make the playoffs.” pic.twitter.com/mbQ0cNUIII
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 5, 2024
Schröder is the type of participant who thrives when he has freedom, and that’s what he has in Brooklyn. With Cam Thomas (24.9 factors per recreation) and Cameron Johnson (16.6 PPG) as sidekicks, Schröder helps the Nets push the tempo.
They’re the type of crew that you just suppose you’re going to wallop, you then lookup and it’s a six-point recreation with two minutes left. It’s very doable the Celtics win by 30, however it’s most likely extra seemingly that the plucky Nets grasp round earlier than the Celtics in the end prevail.
