They’d seventeen factors off turnovers within the second half. That’s a product of poor spacing, poor physicality on the ball, and simply poor screening. They’re a group that fights for matchups.
“Spacing is offense, so we gotta combat to be extra disciplined with that.”
That was head coach Joe Mazzulla on what led to only a 27-point second half for the Celtics in Oklahoma Metropolis. After main the Thunder by 10 heading into halftime, Boston’s offense went chilly. They adopted a 6-for-22 first half from behind the arc with a 3-for-24 stinker to shut it out.
To be an efficient three-point taking pictures group, it’s important to have the shooters after all, however to Mazzulla’s level, they need to be in the fitting spots for every part to work.
“It’s one thing you gotta commit to each possession. As you’re taking part in a sport and going by way of it and seeking to course of every possession, you simply gotta combat for excellent spacing on each possession. Typically matchups and totally different coverages mess it up,” Mazzulla mentioned of Boston’s third and fourth quarter collapse.
When the Celtics are clicking, they’re this amalgamous blob of potential with gamers biking everywhere in the court docket, all as offensive threats. Right here’s Derrick White attacking the empty aspect of the ground in semi-transition. As quickly as he goes baseline, you’ll be able to see his teammates fall into place; Sam Hauser areas to the other aspect nook; Luke Kornet flashes from the dunker spot; Jaylen Brown offers a launch valve above the break; lastly, Kristaps Porzingis makes the slot minimize for a layup.
Sadly, it doesn’t all the time go as deliberate.
“There was a possession there the place we ran a pin down and so they acquired it and it was empty aspect and we didn’t get the corners crammed and so they had been in a position to make the most of that,” Mazzulla mentioned of the above play. “A big portion of that’s simply form of the self-discipline and persevering with to do it over and over every possession as you attempt to work by way of the circulation of the sport.”
To Brown and Boston’s credit score, they’re down 9 at this level and attempting to get fast hitters with simply over two minutes to go within the sport, however Mazzulla’s statement nonetheless stands. As JB drives, everyone watches. Ideally, Jrue Vacation runs the baseline as a attainable dump off cross within the paint, White fills the nook vacated by Vacation, and both Jayson Tatum or Porzingis minimize sooner. As an alternative, Brown will get caught within the restricted space and the Thunder pressure one among their sixteen turnovers.
Right here’s Brown on the story of two halves and the way OKC’s elevated physicality (and the officers lack of adjustment to it) modified the sport:
Jaylen Brown on the basis of the problem when spacing is unhealthy:
“It’s only a lack of poise… second half, the whistle wasn’t on our aspect. It’s effective, we simply have to regulate quicker… credit score to OKC, their physicality set the tone within the second half.” pic.twitter.com/YyiF34A287
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) January 6, 2025
One loss received’t change how the Celtics play. Mazzulla Ball isn’t lifeless. However taking it on the chin towards the league’s stingiest defensive group is an efficient reminder that to beat one of the best, it’s important to be at your finest and meaning consideration to all the main points and never simply making photographs.
