The Boston Celtics are coming off one of the most historic collapses in playoff history. They broke the record for the most three-pointers missed in a game by one team. Even in their last game against the New York Knicks, the Celtics launched a ridiculous 60 three-point attempts. This incredible accomplishment set the record for the most three-point shots made in a playoff game—ever. On those plays, they only succeeded in making their opponents pay 15 times, good for just a 25% shooting percentage, which is pretty awful.
Fortunately for the Celtics, they would get another shot, losing 108-105 in overtime. In that game, they bricked 45 shots from downtown, a record that exemplifies their tough year from the three-point line. When play resumed after halftime, their shooting woes only got worse. Not making a ton of shots from deep, hitting just 9 of 34 attempts and even going through a stretch where they missed 10 straight triples.
Boston’s star, Jayson Tatum, had a tough shoot night all game, eventually making only 4-of-15 from downtown. The team created 45 wide-open three-point shots, but didn’t make them pay, clanking 32 of those attempts. Jaylen Brown admitted that some shots were good ones and some were bad shots. He stated, “Some of ’em felt good, some of ’em felt like we maybe forced the issue.”
The Celtics boasted a 20-point advantage midway through the third period. Unfortunately, the Wizards’ complete lack of three-point success would ultimately let the Knicks claw back into this game. New York made two additional three-pointers than Boston despite attempting 23 fewer shots. This efficient shooting strategy made the most out of the Celtics’ difficulties.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla showed tremendous grace under pressure in managing the high stakes game. He was critical, to be sure—but in a much less combative way than his past attacks. He knew the team produced a number of good scoring chances. Far too often they settled for contested jumpers instead of attacking the rim. “There were probably eight to 10 shots that could be better at for sure,” Mazzulla remarked.
Tatum was singing the same tune as Mazzulla, lamenting opportunities lost all game long. “Obviously in hindsight, if we could go back, we’d probably drive the ball a little bit more because we missed a lot of shots tonight,” he said.
Especially with the challenges they faced from beyond the arc, this was largely expected. Given that they’ve already given up 84 threes in four regular-season defeats to the Knicks prior to this playoff pairing, consider me intrigued. From his end, Mazzulla emphasized the need to adjust. He repeatedly challenged the team on their ability to draw fouls and suggested they should be more aggressive at finishing in the paint.
Jaylen Brown underscored the tactical aspect of needing to adjust down the stretch of the game. “In those moments when the other team got momentum you can’t just fire up threes to break up momentum,” he stated.
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