The Boston Celtics were in Atlanta last night and made sure to close the game as early as possible so they’d be in shape to vote the next day. Facing a fast-paced team with energetic players, the Celtics showed they can adapt to their opponents.
1. Best transition game of the season
Looking at the Celtics’ double-big lineup against the high-speed Atlanta Hawks, I was worried the Celtics wouldn’t keep up. But it was quite the opposite.
After a slow start, the Celtics became more aggressive, creating turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, 20% of the Hawks’ possessions ended in turnovers. Following these turnovers, the Celtics created many good opportunities, but even more impressive was their pace after a rebound.
On average, NBA teams create a transition opportunity on 30% of their defensive rebounds. Last night in Atlanta, the Celtics generated an attempt on 51% of their defensive rebounds. They pushed the speed button hard, outpacing one of the quickest teams in the league.
2. Speed to compensate for talent
When Jayson Tatum was on the bench, the Celtics really pushed the pace.
Tatum sat at the start of the 2nd quarter, and the Hawks began to give the Celtics a hard time. To adjust, Joe Mazzulla took a timeout and emphasized running hard after a stop.
In the play above, Queta and Pritchard run off-ball, pressuring the Hawks’ defense. Holiday’s quick screen on the trailer put the defense on its heels, simultaneously Queta, is setting up an exit screen for Hauser, who cut to the rim for an open shot thanks to the spacing and teamwork.
3. More shots at the rim than usual
The Celtics exploited the Hawks’ lack of rim protection well. So far this season, they take 28% of their shots at the rim with 68% efficiency. Against Atlanta, that rose to 33% at a 77% efficiency.
This was crucial because the Hawks were able to make life difficult behind the three-point line. But the Celtics took advantage of the Hawks’ aggressive perimeter defense to attack the rim.
In a 5-out high post offense, the Celtics put the ball in the hands of their weakest shooter to create space. Tillman, a strong passer, found success in the high post. Around him, Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser, all solid three-point shooters, mixed screens. The Hawks focused so hard on stopping the three that they left the rim exposed.
4. One play shows why the Hawks’ defense has too many weaknesses
The Celtics exploited the Hawks’ defensive weaknesses with speed, transition play, and by challenging their perimeter aggression. The Hawks have too many structural issues to keep up. Trae Young and Clint Capela are easy targets, and even with great defensive wings, they can’t fully compensate.
On the play above, Capela stayed in the paint on the weak side while Young got screened. Zaccharie Risacher stepped up as Queta rolled. Capela tagged the center, leaving Risacher to contest Holiday’s open three. The Celtics’ spacing, coupled with the Hawks’ defensive liabilities, opened up quality shots.
5. Jayson Tatum still plays like an MVP
Just another day at the office for Tatum. In the first half, he relentlessly used his teammates’ screens to target Trae Young on defense, making him work. After 18 minutes, Tatum had scored 26 points, delivered four assists, and was everywhere on the court.
His activity on and off-ball was impressive. When he had the ball, he drove aggressively, breaking down the defense. Off-ball, he moved constantly, creating opportunities. While fans may remember his stepbacks and dunks, Tatum’s off-ball impact is unique and elevates him.
6. Queta brings energy on offense…
The double-big lineup with Queta and Horford was interesting. Queta adds more verticality than Kornet or Tillman, which pairs well with Horford, who can spot up and leave most screens to Queta. He generated seven points with his screens and created plenty of space. His energy, angles, and offensive rebounding also made him a great lob threat.
Though limited by his shooting, he helps the offense with the small things that have a big impact.
7. But he’s targeted on defense
While positive on offense, Queta struggled to fit defensively. Perhaps playing alongside another big doesn’t help.
Assigned to guard one of the Hawks’ wings while Horford matched up with Capela, he stayed close to the rim. However, the Hawks’ quick, vertical wings still found ways to target him early, keeping the game close… at least in the first quarter.
8. Payton Pritchard’s 6th Man of the Year case keeps growing
What do we expect from a 6th man? Impact the game as soon as they hit the floor. Last night, Pritchard entered with the Celtics up by 1; 40 seconds later, they were up by 6, with Pritchard scoring five straight points.
This season, he’s scoring at a 67% true shooting efficiency and rarely turns the ball over. His effort on defense and +16.3 OnCourt +/- impact show his value, reinforcing Mike Shearer’s confidence in his 6MOY candidacy.
9. The 4th quarter offense was a tough watch…
Up by 28 in the fourth quarter, the “Stay Ready” group struggled offensively. Out of 12 minutes, the Celtics had just three assisted field goals, committed seven turnovers, and went 1/11 from three. It was clear Davidson, Scheieman, and Springer still need to develop offensively.
But with how dominant the Celtics are, they’ll likely get more chances this season.
10. …But the defense was solid
Despite offensive struggles, the “Stay Ready” group played well on defense, facing a talented Hawks bench.
Springer and Walsh led the way, forcing seven turnovers in the final quarter. They’ll look to build on their defensive efforts and become more effective in the half-court offense as the season progresses.
