Jayson Tatum criticizes Boston Celtics, accuses them of unfairly blaming Gordon Hayward.
Williams undeniably brought a defensive impact during his time with the Celtics, but his game centered around the rim, allowing defenders to easily help off him when Brown or Tatum made their moves inside. Derrick White, however, creates more space for the Jays with his versatile play. Despite initial doubts about his three-point shooting, White has elevated his game to an all-star level on both offense and defense, making Marcus Smart’s absence less impactful.
Although Smart was a crucial part of the Celtics for nine years, his offensive reliability was often questioned. Teams would often dare Smart to shoot threes, preferring to focus their defense on Brown or Tatum. Enter Jrue Holiday, another reliable shooter and tough defender, adding to the floor spacing and offensive options for Boston.
The Celtics now boast a lineup where all five players can shoot threes effectively, creating ample space around the paint for their scorers. While this strategy has its allure, as seen in wins against the Kings and Clippers, the Celtics must also balance their game. Against teams like the Warriors, who deploy a zone defense, attacking inside the arc and testing the defense at the foul line becomes crucial.
The key for Boston lies in finding the right balance between their three-point shooting prowess and their ability to score inside the paint. The recent success of relying less on the Jays and spreading the offensive load more evenly has made the Celtics a stronger team. Brown’s focus on playmaking and Tatum’s attention on overall team success rather than individual accolades bodes well for their championship aspirations.
The Celtics’ upcoming game against the Pistons presents another opportunity to showcase their balanced approach. While the allure of three-point shooting is strong, maximizing their midrange game and adapting to various defensive schemes will be essential for sustained success.