The Boston Celtics look to prove that they are ready to take that next step. Many believe that this team will fizzle out in the playoffs. But players and fans of this ball club feel differently about this season. However, it eases concerns when your best player and leader sets the tone for the rest of the roster.
Regardless of what is said outside of the court, the visitors made a statement tonight. Yes, it’s only one game. But they hope to build off tonight. Ultimately, their evaluation will come during the playoffs. However, tonight showed various good takeaways.
Where do you rank this team in the NBA right now?
Boston Celtics Continue What’s Working
The Boston Celtics went to the well early and often. Jalen Brunson looks to attack players in the paint. However, the visitors gave him and the New York Knicks a steady diet of their own medicine. This proved to work as they would go on to beat their Eastern Conference opponents 116-102.
Jayson Tatum has just locked in defensively these last few possessions. Sick block here on Donte DiVincenzo.pic.twitter.com/12lbZpcELj
— Noa Dalzell ? (@NoaDalzellNBA) February 25, 2024
But they won this in the paint. While they eventually shot the ball well, that’s not what won them the game. Yes, they had a good third-quarter barrage. However, sticking to attacking down low worked. At halftime, they had a 36-22 advantage in the paint.
Even when the Knicks went on a run, the Celtics demoralized the crowd by getting an easier-looking basket on the other end.
Boston Celtics Shooting Picked Up
As mentioned, the third quarter was a shooting fest for the Boston Celtics. The team went nine or eleven at one point for most of that quarter from range. Considering how versatile the defense is and the options they have off the bench, if they can consistently find ways to be lethal from range, then this team is unbeatable.
But the main focus needs to be on finding switches and matchups that they like. Additionally, after getting the look they want, they need to continue to push the opposition down low. Although being able to sprinkle in outside shooting of course will help to open things up in the front court.
Kristaps Porzingis looked comfortable back in New York. He finished with 22 points on three of four shooting from beyond the three-point line. Additionally, Jaylen Brown had a team-high 30 points. But Jayson Tatum had the all-around best game. He stated earlier how people will have doubts until they win a championship. And he’s playing like someone who wants to silence those critics. He had 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists on the night.
Boston Celtics Willing To Live With One Player Having A Good Game
The Boston Celtics deployed a different defensive strategy that others would not be able to pull off. Brunson finished with 34 points, but he earned it. They didn’t force the ball out of his hands. Additionally, the Celtics stayed with their defensive assignments, often not bringing a help defender.
here’s every Jalen Brunson POINT + ASSIST from the New York Knicks loss to the Boston Celtics (02/24/24)
one of the most FUN players to watch in the NBA, win or lose
KNICKS JUST GOTTA GET HEALTHY#NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/KPVEb91stx
— Degenerate George (@DGen_george) February 25, 2024
They refused to leave other shooters open. This also kept the rest of the team in good position to rebound. They only had three fewer boards than the Knicks, which is a result you can live with. But they made Brunson and this team every one of their points this evening.
Conversely, things looked much easier and straightforward on the other end. If the Celtics are going to find success they’ll look to emulate tonight. They want to focus on being a force down low, tiring out the opposition and waiting to get hot in their shooting. Tonight’s blueprint will make the Boston Celtics a tough opponent come the playoffs.
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Gabriel Enjoys all things sports! Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. You name it! Huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers and New England Patriots. Even bigger advocate of running the football!
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