How well their opponents are making 3-pointers is one of the first things that come up when discussing the Celtics. On Friday night (16–23), Miami hit 48.5% against them, while New York started the season with a 43.9% hit (18–41).
Clearly, it’s far too early to label this as a trend. It won’t matter if Washington and Indiana shoot in the low 30% level. However, it is an ongoing issue, so let us examine it.
Step 1: See how this appears in comparison to other people. Does this apply to all cases, or is Boston the only place where it occurs?
Boston had the greatest opponent 3-point percentage (45.9%) through two games. Philadelphia and Milwaukee come in second and third, both above 45%. It is better than 40% for opponents to shoot against five clubs (Washington, Dallas, Cleveland, Brooklyn, Portland).
I’m counting two top teams (Boston and Milwaukee), one excellent team (Cleveland), one playoff club (probably Dallas), one rebuilding team (Washington, Portland), and possibly one up-and-coming wildcard team (Brooklyn).
Initially, it seems arbitrary. Both good and bad clubs are affected, but Boston is now the worst of the lot.
The Celtics aren’t being burnt in the same way that they have been since three reasons. However, there are two distinct ways the Celtics can make a difference.
A few of them are in a transitional state where they are difficult to quit. There are mismatches, misunderstandings, and an excellent shooter who gets disoriented and steps into a nice look. It is a universal experience.
A few of them were the result of merely excellent offense. A well-placed pass is made, players are drawn out of position, and a clear shot is made. Everyone is likewise subject to this.
A few of them have just been difficult to make. There is nothing that can be done when Kyle Lowry slapped a couple with a fist in his face the other night. Even when a team plays excellent defense and contests a shot well, shots still occasionally go in. Not that huge.
With time, all of these things will average out. You have to have faith that the historical percentages will eventually level out a lot of what’s happening because, once again, very little can be decided with certainty over the course of two games.
However, there are undoubtedly a few ways Boston may ease this situation a bit.
Obtain rebounds.
Though they also performed a lot of roasting of their own against Miami, the Celtics have been roasted on glass. It had a significant role in New York’s ability to score 20 more shots than Boston in the first game of the season. These are but a few instances.
