10 takeaways from the Celtics controlling the Raptors with switching and spacing

#1 – Horns sets offense

While the Celtics are one of the most innovative teams, they are also quite good at using the basics. Horns sets are often one of the first plays you learn when you start playing basketball as a kid (at least that’s the case in France).

Back in the day, the player at the top would be the point guard, the two bigs would be positioned at the elbows, and the wings would stand in the corners. Nowadays, the positions remain the same, but the roles have changed. For example, last night, the Celtics played without a center for most of the game—yet, they still used these Horns sets, which are traditionally played with two bigs.

As the Celtics play with multiple ball handlers and shooters, they bring a modern approach to the Horns offense. Since all five players on the floor can handle the ball, set screens, cut to the basket, or pop out for a three, these sets become very difficult to slow down because it’s hard to anticipate what will happen.

If the defense switches, you have a mismatch. If they don’t, they fall behind the play. If they help, the spacing makes it nearly impossible to recover.

#2 – Switch to keep up with motion

In the last game, the Celtics couldn’t keep up with the Raptors’ ball movement and staggered screen actions. Boston was often a step behind because they wanted to keep a center near the rim to protect the paint. However, last night, they didn’t play with a center at all.

As a result, the Celtics switched on screens to absorb and erase the gaps the Raptors were trying to generate with their movement. By communicating and moving together as a unit, they ensured no defender was left isolated, providing a much better defensive performance than in their previous game against Toronto.

With constant switching, they were able to put pressure on the ball and force the Raptors into numerous turnovers. Additionally, the switch-everything approach gave the Celtics a better chance to contest three-pointers—and it worked out well.

#3 – Zone defense with Queta

However, when Neemias Queta was on the floor, the Celtics switched to a zone defense—a mix between a 2-3 zone and a 2-1-2. In the video below, Joe Mazzulla signaled the defensive coverage by holding up two fingers.

With Queta anchoring the back of the zone, Jayson Tatum was stationed near the free-throw line, ready to disrupt any passes or drives into the paint. Since the Raptors weren’t playing with a traditional center, this was a smart way to optimize Queta’s length and size.

He and Tatum acted as the last line of defense, covering for Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, who struggled at the point of attack.

#4 – Raptors lost the plot with their mismatch hunting

Because the Celtics mixed zone coverage with switch-everything rotations, the Raptors couldn’t find their usual offensive flow. As a result, they resorted to mismatch hunting with Scottie Barnes.

The Raptors repeatedly tried to generate one-on-one situations for Barnes against Pritchard. In theory, this makes sense, but the approach had some clear downsides. First, the Raptors don’t have the same level of spacing as the Celtics. That lack of spacing makes it much harder to punish mismatches efficiently due to the help defense and stunts.

On top of that, most of Barnes’ attempts were contested mid-range shots—the exact type of looks the Celtics are willing to concede. Furthermore, this strategy completely disrupted the Raptors’ usual offensive flow. What troubles Boston the most is constant motion. By slowing things down to attack mismatches, the Raptors played right into the Celtics’ hands.

Looking at both games against Toronto, it’s clear that the Celtics’ coaching staff went to Canada with a strong defensive game plan and adapted well to what the Raptors had succeeded with in the first matchup.

#5 – Derrick White low-man help

Speaking of defense, Derrick White’s two blocks as the low man were incredible.

His ability to time his jumps perfectly, stay vertical to avoid fouling, and display near-perfect hand-eye coordination was on full display.

Once again, Derrick White might be the best rim protector among guards this season.

#6 – Craig learning the Mazzulla ball

Torry Craig started last night and played 15 minutes—a strong sign that the Celtics are committed to integrating him into the rotation. When a new player arrives midseason, it’s always interesting to observe how his teammates communicate with him.

As the Celtics frequently switch on defense—a habit dating back to Ime Udoka’s tenure—it was clear that Craig wasn’t entirely comfortable yet, which is completely normal. However, it was great to see Jayson Tatum pulling him aside to explain what he needed to do. Craig will make mistakes, but the team is showing him the way.

The same applied on offense. Craig’s teammates were actively directing him to maintain spacing and follow the game plan. He has the tools to carve out a role in the rotation for certain matchups, but to earn regular minutes, his learning curve will need to progress quickly.

#7 – Celtics offense looked rusty without JT

With Jayson Tatum on the floor, the Celtics were scoring 1.25 points per possession last night. However, in the eight minutes he sat, their efficiency plummeted. The Celtics finished with a 1.14 points per possession average for the game.

Tatum not only created for his teammates with 11 assists, but he also opened up the floor, drawing aggressive help from the Raptors’ defense.

However, when Tatum was resting, Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard were tasked with initiating the offense, and they struggled. Both players took a lot of shots and tried to generate opportunities for others, but the Raptors’ length and defensive grit disrupted their rhythm.

With Derrick White on the floor, the offense flows better, as he is one of the best connectors in the league. But when both White and Tatum are off the court, the Celtics’ offense has struggled this season, posting a 113 offensive rating per 100 possessions in those minutes.

#8 – A timeout to save the game

The Celtics were struggling to close out the game, and with two seconds left on the shot clock, Joe Mazzulla called a crucial timeout that likely sealed the win.

During that timeout, he drew up a play, subbed Queta back in, and gave Pritchard some much-needed rest, as he had been relentlessly targeted by the Raptors. Toronto, playing small like Boston, likely didn’t anticipate Queta’s return.

The play Mazzulla designed with his coaching staff resulted in an easy bucket for the Portuguese big man. Tatum sprinted to the corner, while Sam Hauser set a back screen on Queta’s defender, allowing him to roll to the rim unchallenged.

#9 – Boston’s small ball brought great transition defense

The Raptors are one of the best transition teams in the NBA this season, but the Celtics held them to just 0.4 points per possession on transition plays—an impressive display of speed, discipline, and collective effort.