The Boston Celtics are on track for an impressive 57-win season according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index. However, the road has been anything but smooth. The Celtics have faced challenges with their 3-point shooting, hitting just 33.8% from beyond the arc in the first half of January. This percentage ranks near the bottom of the NBA, highlighting a significant hurdle for the team. Despite these struggles, Jaylen Brown has been a bright spot, assisting at a career-high rate of 5.6 assists per game, with 61% of his assists leading to 3-point opportunities. Defensively, the Celtics maintain a top-five status in the league and excel in transition defense. Yet, inconsistency remains a concern as noted by coach Joe Mazzulla, who describes the team's performance as "inconsistent basketball."
The Celtics' reliance on the 3-point shot is evident, as they attempt an astonishing 48.3 three-pointers per game. This approach puts them on course to break the league's single-season record for attempts. However, this strategy has backfired in key moments, particularly when shooting slumps have affected their overall performance. Kristaps Porzingis, the team's center, acknowledges that their shooting woes sometimes impact their defensive effort and decision-making on offense.
"If we're not making shots, it starts to wear on us a little bit. And then we have 5 percent or 10 percent less effort on defense. Somebody takes a bad shot, or I take a rushed shot or whatever. We just have to be mindful of those moments," said Kristaps Porzingis.
The team's inconsistency is further highlighted by their performance in December and early January, where they shot below average at 35.4% and then dropped to 33.8%, respectively. These struggles have contributed to their 5-4 record at the start of 2025, following an 8-6 finish in December. Notably, they have shot 30% or worse from 3-point range in seven of their ten losses since mid-December.
Despite their shooting woes, the Celtics' big-picture metrics remain similar to last season's successful campaign. They began the season dominantly with a 16-3 mark but have since faced challenges maintaining that momentum. Their five-man lineup, consisting of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, has been outscored by 3.8 points per 100 plays in 277 minutes this season.
The Celtics' commitment to 3-point shooting has seen them take up to 50 attempts per night. However, this strategy has not always yielded positive results. In a recent game, they missed 13 consecutive 3-point attempts, finishing with a 29-for-61 showing from beyond the arc. These missed opportunities underscore the need for a more balanced offensive approach.
Jaylen Brown's contributions have been a silver lining amid the team's shooting struggles. His career-high assist rate and ability to create opportunities for his teammates have been pivotal. Despite this individual success, the team must find ways to translate these efforts into consistent victories.
Defensively, the Celtics remain formidable. They rank among the top five in the league and excel in transition scenarios. This defensive prowess provides a foundation for success, but it requires consistent support from their offensive efforts.
Coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the need for consistency, acknowledging that the team's reliance on the 3-point shot has led to mixed results. The coaching staff continues to work on finding solutions to balance their offensive strategies while maintaining their defensive intensity.
As the season progresses, the Celtics face the challenge of overcoming their shooting inconsistencies and translating their potential into tangible success. The team's resilience and adaptability will be crucial in navigating these hurdles and achieving their goal of a successful season.
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