#1 – Transition defense is back?
Well, of course, it is just one game. Yet, the Raptors are one of the best transition teams in the NBA. They are third in transition volume and seventh in points per game in transition. On the other end, the Celtics faced some transition defense struggles over the first months of the season. This game was a great challenge for Joe Mazzulla’s team and an opportunity to remind Celtics fans how great they can be on defense.
After a rough start for the Celtics offense, the Raptors showed how fast they can be in transition, but the Celtics were able to catch up. Led by Derrick White’s effort, the defending champs were disciplined and ran as fast as they could to turn an easy transition into a defensive stop. The former Spur blocked four attempts over the 27 minutes he played. An impressive performance to finish the year on a high note.
#2 – Payton Pritchard’s tight handle
One of the reasons Payton Pritchard is so efficient is his handle and ability to not lose the ball. With his shooting performances and low turnover rate, Payton Pritchard is one of the most efficient players in the NBA. Only Jimmy Butler, Cameron Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter match this efficiency at a similar volume.
On the last episode of the great podcast View For The Rafters, Payton Pritchard talks about how much he worked on his handle.
Wrote up a piece on Payton Pritchard’s excellent VFTR podcast episode.
If you want to get a look into his mindset and work ethic, he talks about it extensively. Mentions how he practiced dribbling with a cold ball until his fingers would bleed(!!!)https://t.co/eApmnf7ssj
— Harris Rubenstein (@Sportstein) December 30, 2024
The hard work paid off as Payton Pritchard became one of the best players at keeping the dribble alive, which makes him a constant threat to the opposing defense. His overall improvements, from his handle to his footwork, are one of the reasons his ability to finish at the rim has increased so much. He went from being a below-average rim finisher to one of the most efficient among guards. Of course, the spacing helps, but Payton Pritchard keeps getting better too.
#3 – Jrue Holiday is back like he never left
It’s the holiday season and the Celtics definitely needed Jrue to be back on the court. Alongside Derrick White, his defensive playmaking helped the Celtics turn defense into offense.
With 3 steals and great defensive stretches on whoever Joe Mazzulla asked him to guard, Jrue Holiday led the Celtics to historic defensive performances. On top of that, he reminded us how versatile he can be on the offensive end. Grabbing offensive rebounds, setting screens, swinging the ball to an open man, and, of course, the shooting.
This is also a great reminder that the Celtics’ recent struggles were due to key players missing time—and how great they can be if everyone is healthy.
#4 – Jordan Walsh offensive mixtape
After the starters dismantled the Raptors’ defense, the stay-ready group was invited to the dance—and Jordan Walsh had some moves he wanted to show. His two drives, using Queta’s screen, were really impressive.
His defense manipulation, the timing of his dribbles, and footwork opened the rim for him. He showed he can use a screen like a real playmaker to create separation, then drive and make the best decision based on the advantage he generated.
His length helps him finish above and around rim protectors, and it forces us to wonder what could happen if he played more. Of course, the shooting still has its ups and downs, but the more we see him play, the more it becomes obvious he could be a difference-maker in crucial games later this season.
#5 – Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta beautiful zoom action
Sometimes you think a basketball game might get boring when your team is leading by 40 points, and then the basketball gods remind us how much fun this game can be. From the top, the Celtics get into a zoom action (an off-ball screen plus a dribble handoff) with Payton Pritchard as the man on the move, Sam Hauser as the screen, and Neemias Queta as the ball handler.
This is a great combination of players for a zoom action, as both Hauser and Pritchard can punish from three, and Queta is a great rim runner and a lob threat. As Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser were in a great game, the defense focused on them and forgot to help on Queta. This gave us another beautiful highlight to finish the year.
#6 – Sam Hauser’s confidence seems to be back
After a rough few games, Sam Hauser had a great game last night. After a few usual catch-and-shoots, the Celtics sharp-shooter went crazy. Early in the fourth, late in the possession, Sam Hauser had the ball in his hands and had to make a decision quickly.
He drives left, can’t find a way to the rim… so he steps back in the corner and makes an impossible shot over the great defensive guard Davion Mitchell. Of course, it’s just a highlight, but Sam Hauser and the TD Garden needed it!
#7 – Celtics were unstoppable in the second half
After a slow start, and only 2 points scored over the first 5 minutes of the game, the Celtics turned into an unstoppable offensive machine in the second half: 80 points scored over the last 24 minutes, 78% from three, and 18 assists.
Both the starters and the bench were on fire last night and made sure the fans at the TD Garden finished 2024 with the best souvenir possible.
#8 – Are the Jaylen Brown left-hand jokes a thing of the past?
Entering a new year, we often want to leave things behind us—and Jaylen Brown’s left-hand jokes might be one of them. His offensive game has evolved again this year, and the handle has once again improved.
The numbers are telling us Jaylen Brown keeps getting more comfortable at getting to the rim. He increased his drive volume from 10 to 14 per game this season—and his post-up game has turned him into one of the most efficient players from this position.
#9 – Looking ahead
To start the new year, the Celtics have a couple of roadtrip planed. First, a four games stretch where the Celtics will have to face some of the best defenses in the league (Houston and Minnesota) and two MVP candidates (Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).
Then, another four games roadtrip on the westside in which the Celtics will have to duel with both LA teams, the Warriors and the Mavericks. An entertaining month ahead where we will learn a lot about this team.
#10 – Happy new year to all of you!
I couldn’t be happier to start the year as a writer for CelticsBlog—a year ago, I didn’t even know that could be possible. Thanks to all of you for all the feedback, comments, and support.
I am wishing for a great 2025 year to all of you from the French Alps, and hope for all of us to witness our Celtics winning their 19th title.
