Last night’s Game 3 win was massive, no two ways about it.
Here’s the thing though….
…….the Celtics can play better.
Much better in fact.
In fact, they’ve had better performances in these very playoffs, not just counting Game 2.
Now maybe that feels like nitpicking, and I admit it is.
But that’s what happens when you see what the Celts are truly capable of.
The standard for them is insanely high because their ceiling is insanely high.
This isn’t something that has me upset or annoyed or anything like that.
No no, it has me encouraged.
“Who is the leader of the Celtics?”
“Jayson Tatum doesn’t have it, Jaylen Brown is the guy”
Hey, morons.
Are we that bored?
Have we not done this already?
How, in the year of our lord 2023, are we still doing shit like this?
It’s not about one guy.
It’s not about who is the leader.
It’s not about who is the closer.
It’s not about who is the best defender.
It’s not about who has a killer instinct and who doesn’t.
It is about how everything works together.
Some nights, Jaylen Brown is going to be the best player on the court.
In those games, he puts the team on his back at all times of a game.
Other nights, Jayson Tatum is going to be the best player on the court.
In those games, he puts the team on his back at all times of a game.
Other nights they are going to do it together, at the same time.
The beauty of this roster is the fact that there isn’t really a 1A and a 1B.
There are two 1As.
Both guys can be the best player on the floor in a big playoff game.
you’re able to love and trust them both.
That’s usually not going to work out well for you.
From there, it was Jaylen’s turn.
He’s the tough individual shot maker.
He’s the bucket getter when things are broken and you oughta take a tough look.
Jaylen only had 1 TO over these two quarters.
They do not have the players to handle the Celtics two best players.
If any of their guards find themselves to be switched on either Jay, that’s a bucket.
No matter the wing defender the Sixers try, that’s a bucket.
If they get Embiid in space, as we just saw last night, that’s a bucket.
Tatum was 3-4 against Tobias Harris and 3-5 against Joel Embiid.
Jaylen Brown was 3-5 against PJ Tucker and 3-5 against Joel Embiid.
They just don’t have the defenders to consistently stop this offense.
It’s not just about a high flying offense that makes it rain from deep.
you could’t win consistently in the playoffs giving up 120+ every night.
Over the last two games, so 8 quarters, the Celtics have not allowed a 30 point quarter.
Sixers had 87 points on the road in Game 2 and just 102 at home in Game 3.
The main reason for that is simple.
It’s what they do as a unit.
The Celts as a team have been so much better defensively.
It even surpasses the first two games against the Hawks (100.5).
It’s important that he always shoot with confidence and never hesitate, because this is what happens.
Outside of that early challenge that seemed puzzling at the time, Joe was nails.
Not only was the team prepared, but they played ready to go right from the jump.
When the team started playing like assholes, he stopped everything and got them back on track.
That’s all it’s possible for you to ask.
His defense adjustments continue to be effective.
That’s encouraging as well.
My favorite part came postgame though
I love how he’s holding Tatum accountable defensively.
Even with Tatum being solid on that end, Joe knows he can be even better.
For Smart, he was there throughout all four quarters.
For Derrick, it’s very encouraging that he seems to be finding his three point shot again.
What I want to continue to see though is him not be afraid to attack the paint.
For Brogdon, I mean his 4th quarter three was just so massive.
- 22-23 from the FT line.
Can’t give away points in the playoffs.
That’s asking for trouble.
- Celts allowed only 7 2nd chance points which was nice.
Clean defensive possessions and low turnovers (12).
That’s the path.
- Shoutout to Grant for still being alive.
What a crazy moment.
Meanwhile, Grant has continued to play his way out of the doghouse.
In the first quarter, the Sixers scored 29 points with 12 of them coming from the FT line.
They couldn’t make shots, but they lived at the line.
Making the Sixers beat you with made field goals is not how they want to play.
That’s something I’d like tightened up in Game 4.
- Turning the ball over 12 times is good.
Allowing 20 points off those turnovers, not so good.
You could tell they were starting to play the wrong way.
It’s not about 3PA, it’s about the quality of 3PA and how they are generated.
When the Celts started 5-6 or whatever, they ALL came off beautiful ball movement.
You have point guards for a reason.
The good news is the Celts figured it out in real time.
That’s what matters.
Most nights though, they’re going to have to play with better movement.
Loved the hustle and am so relieved there’s nothing to worry about.
At least, that’s what I want to believe.
End this series quick and let Rob rest.
Winning Game 3 was great, but it means less if you turn around and lose Game 4.
Now is the time to step on your opponent’s throat.
In a playoff series, there’s always an opportunity for a statement win.
That is what Game 4 is.
Win it, and the series takes a drastic turn.
