Takeaways from the Boston Celtics’ 126–115 Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers …
The Celtics are actually, actually good
Granted, this wasn’t fairly. Boston coughed up most of an 18-point first quarter lead by halftime and the three-point alarmists—a number of of which sat on ESPN’s halftime panel—have been out in power after the Celtics linked on simply 7-of-24 from three within the first two quarters. However within the second half Boston did as Boston does, overwhelming the Lakers with a various (every of the 5 starters had at the least 18 factors), clear (simply eight turnovers) offense whereas taking part in sufficient protection in opposition to everybody not named Anthony Davis (40 factors) to outscore L.A. 68–58 within the second half.
How’s this for a highway journey? After dropping an extra time thriller to Golden State, the Celtics mowed down the Kings, Clippers and Lakers—Western Convention playoff contenders, all. The Clippers had received 9 out of 10 earlier than dealing with Boston. The Celtics beat them by 37. The Lakers have been days faraway from a win in Oklahoma Metropolis. Boston put 68 factors on them within the second half. The Celtics have a top-five offense and protection, the perfect prime six within the NBA and a selfless angle that makes all of it work.
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Can this offense be stopped?
Criticism of the three-point taking pictures, at instances, is justifiable. Going 15-of-47 from three in an early-season loss to Philadelphia was unhealthy. Lacking 41 threes in opposition to the Warriors final week was worse. However whereas the Celtics take loads of threes (a league-high 43.3 per sport) additionally they make a bunch of them (37.8%, seventh within the NBA). No crew, in reality, makes greater than the 16.4 Boston connects on.
And if they’re making threes, who stops them? Boston constructed a 12-point lead within the first three minutes with out Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ MVP candidate, touching the ball. The beginning 5 coming into Monday’s sport 14–1, with a web ranking of practically plus 20 factors per 100 possessions.
“We have now so many weapons that it’s powerful to arrange for us,” stated Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis is considered one of them. The 7’3” huge man has been a picture-perfect match within the Celtics’ system. On Monday, Porzingis scored a team-high 28 factors, collected 11 rebounds and swatted away two photographs. When Anthony Davis defended him, Porzingis dragged him to the perimeter. When the Lakers switched, Porzingis punished a smaller defender on the within.
“We haven’t had a low publish presence like that since I’ve been on the Celtics,” stated Tatum. “It creates so many issues. Are you going to modify us? Are you in drop? I am simply blissful to be on this aspect of it.”
Are the Lakers in bother?
Hassle is likely to be too sturdy, however this isn’t the beginning L.A. anticipated. The Lakers are 16–15 and whereas accidents have been an element—Jarred Vanderbilt missed time early within the season and Gabe Vincent might be out for 2 extra months with simply 5 video games below his belt—inconsistency, particularly offensively, has been an even bigger one. The Lakers rank within the backside third within the NBA in offensive effectivity, thanks partially to a three-point taking pictures proportion that’s sandwiched between San Antonio and Charlotte. Opponents are packing the paint in opposition to L.A. and the Lakers will not be in a position to make them pay.
Stated LeBron James, “We’re nonetheless making an attempt to determine our state of affairs so far as how we need to proceed to assault every sport.”
Lakers brass prioritized continuity final summer season however Rob Pelinka and Co. have six weeks to resolve whether or not to shake issues up. Zach LaVine will get linked to L.A. usually—LaVine and James are each represented by Klutch Sports activities—and if the offensive woes proceed, Pelinka might need to resolve if buying LaVine, or a participant like him, is price shaking up the roster.
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Joe Mazzulla is having a superb season
Mazzulla is a lightning rod for criticism, whether or not it’s over Boston’s shot choice or his reluctance to name timeouts. Nonetheless, Mazzulla is overseeing an elite, two-way crew and has everybody on the roster shopping for in. That’s Coach of the Yr caliber stuff.
Mazzulla’s problem these subsequent few months is continuous to develop the second unit. Payton Pritchard was strong on Monday (10 factors) and has been terrific in December, connecting on 50% of his threes. Sam Hauser has cooled off after a scorching begin however he stays a dependable three-point shooter. Mazzulla has been mixing and matching huge males—Neemias Queta obtained some early minutes in opposition to the Lakers—looking for a dependable choice after Porzingis and Al Horford.
Earlier than the sport, I requested Mazzulla about his confidence within the again half of his rotation.
“I used to be assured in them to begin the 12 months,” Mazzulla stated. “Simply because I’ve seen them simply work on daily basis. They’ve completed an ideal job. Even in a number of the video games, the Orlando sport, the Cleveland sport, they’re discovering methods to only impression the sport with or with out the ball. Guys are out they usually’re filling proper in. So extraordinarily assured. And actually, all of them, due to the work that they put in and the mindset that they create. They’ve an especially skilled strategy to it.”
