10 takeaways from the Celtics’ first NBA Cup loss to Hawks

#1 – Even in a loss, Celtics Basketball remains to be lovely

Earlier than diving into the explanations behind the Celtics’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks, let’s acknowledge the fantastic thing about Celtics basketball, even in defeat on a inexperienced courtroom. When the ball strikes nicely and protection creates offense, Celtics basketball is at its finest. Exhibit A: this quick break late within the first half.

Celtics basketball additionally shines by way of strategic play-calling and sensible teaching. In a single sideline out-of-bounds play, the Celtics baited the Hawks into considering the ball would go straight to Jayson Tatum within the submit. Nevertheless, the Celtics set stagger screens for Vacation, who ran towards the ball and acted because the connector between Jaylen Brown on the sideline and Jayson Tatum on the submit. Jayson anticipated this and minimize into an empty paint.

Think about additionally this sequence: Jayson Tatum blocks Larry Nance Jr., igniting a quick break, then Jrue Vacation drives and delivers a no-look cross to the nook for Jaylen Brown. Protection resulting in offense—that’s Celtics basketball.

To cap it off, let’s admire this ball motion and Jayson Tatum’s enchancment as a passer.

#2 – The Celtics struggled to care for the ball

Thus far this season, the Celtics have been wonderful at defending the ball. Solely as soon as (earlier than final evening) did they lose the ball on greater than 15% of their possessions. That was the second evening of a back-to-back in opposition to Charlotte, they usually received a cross for it.

Nevertheless, final evening, the turnover fee climbed to twenty%. One key disruptor was Dyson Daniels, whose exercise and size gave the Celtics’ offense extra hassle than we’ve seen shortly. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown mixed for 11 turnovers.

Daniels wasn’t the one issue within the turnover challenge. The size of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu made all the Celtics offense uncomfortable. One other downside for the Celtics was that they didn’t have a transparent goal to use, no seal to hunt.

#3 – No seal searching

With Trae Younger sidelined, many anticipated considerations concerning the Hawks’ offense. Nevertheless, the Celtics’ offense additionally gave the impression to be impacted by his absence. With out Younger within the sport, the Celtics had no clear mismatch to use.

Keaton Wallace, a Hawks two-way participant, took Younger’s place at level guard, and his size and energy made him a tricky matchup. The Hawks have been in a position to swap every little thing, neutralizing a lot of the Celtics’ normal offense. Whereas Jaylen and Jayson may nonetheless assault some Hawks gamers, it wasn’t as fruitful as normal.

#4 – Jaylen Brown’s scoring efficiency

The loss and his missed final shot could overshadow this, however make no mistake: Jaylen Brown’s scoring was stellar. He was one of many few Celtics in a position to get to the rim, scoring 5 baskets within the paint. Plus, his skill to attract fouls has improved since final season, making him extra environment friendly and extra harmful.

As at all times, his powerful shot-making makes him arduous to protect, and he has additionally improved within the submit. Final season, the Celtics elevated their post-up quantity round Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis. This season, Jaylen is following go well with, contributing extra to the Celtics’ offense by way of the submit.

General, it was an incredible sport from Jaylen Brown, who appears to be again in type after lacking a few video games.

#5 – Derrick White’s elite capturing evening

Every time Derrick White has a capturing evening like this, it’s exceptional. I bear in mind again in 2022 when his capturing struggles have been a part of the Celtics’ spacing points in opposition to the Warriors within the Finals.

Final evening, his capturing helped preserve the Celtics within the sport. With Tatum unable to drive to the rim as a lot as he wished, White was at all times well-positioned to supply him a kick-out choice.

Thus far this season, White has made 50% of his catch-and-shoot threes on over 5 makes an attempt per sport. That’s Steph Curry territory. His share will probably drop, however his development from being ignored on the perimeter to one of many league’s finest from three is wonderful.

#6 – Celtics misplaced regardless of capturing 40% from deep

Usually, when the Celtics lose, it’s stated they couldn’t sustain with their normal three-point share. However that wasn’t the case final evening.

In opposition to the Hawks, the Celtics made 40% of their threes, with an eFG% of 63%, one of many highest throughout the NBA this season. They have been environment friendly on the rim too, making 82% of their pictures inside 4 toes, they usually drew numerous free throws with a 27% FTRate, nicely above final season’s common.

These numbers counsel the Celtics ought to have dominated offensively, so why was the consequence so common? As famous, turnovers have been a significant downside. One other challenge was rebounding.

#7 – The Celtics have been outrebounded

Joe Mazzulla usually talks about shot margin, aiming to make sure the Celtics have extra shot alternatives than their opponents. Final evening, that wasn’t the case. The Celtics have been dominated on the boards, with the Hawks grabbing rebounds on 45% of their missed pictures. To place it merely, the Hawks received second probabilities half the time they missed a shot.

This rebounding disparity created defensive points and restricted the Celtics’ transition alternatives. The Celtics performed 88% of their possessions within the half-court, whereas the Hawks performed solely 75% in half-court units, giving them simpler scoring probabilities. Fittingly, the Hawks’ game-winning basket got here off an offensive rebound.

#8 – Hawks huge males dominated

Past rebounding, the Hawks’ huge males dominated total. Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, and Larry Nance Jr. mixed for 22 subject targets on 32 makes an attempt, producing 52 factors and grabbing 17 rebounds.

None of those three are identified for offensive dominance. Capela is now not the rim-runner he as soon as was, whereas Okongwu and Nance function extra as short-roll and high-post connectors. However final evening, they attacked smaller gamers and took benefit of Porzingis’s absence.

Larry Nance Jr., particularly, had an sudden capturing efficiency paying homage to Klay Thompson. The Hawks’ huge males have been efficient because of nice teaching and a few success.

#9 – Celtics’ protection couldn’t comprise Dyson Daniels

One other shock was Dyson Daniels. Traded from New Orleans this summer time, the 21-year-old stepped up in a sport the place the Hawks’ offensive star was lacking. Defensively, he made life arduous for the Celtics’ stars.

His defensive prowess wasn’t a shock, as he’s excelled in creating turnovers and quick breaks since becoming a member of Atlanta. However his offensive contribution was sudden. Alongside Jalen Johnson, the 2 younger gamers tallied 17 assists, serving to generate the Hawks’ offense.

Daniels used his size and pace to drive in opposition to Al Horford and different defenders. This sport may present useful insights into how aggressive, prolonged wings can problem the Celtics’ protection.

#10 – Celtics’ new inexperienced courtroom remains to be terrible, particularly at 6:00 AM

As I reside in Europe, I get up early to observe and write concerning the sport earlier than beginning my day. Watching a sport on a inexperienced courtroom so early isn’t one thing I’d want on anybody.

Picture by China Wong/Getty Photos