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Boston Celtics: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

By Tevin Williams

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Continue to shoot threes

The Boston Celtics attempted a lot of 3-pointers last season. They made 12.0 threes a game and attempted 33.4 per game, finishing third in the NBA in both categories.

This is the way that the NBA is going, and the Celtics are trying to lead the field. All five of the Celtics’ starters, including Marcus Morris and Al Horford, can make open 3-pointers. All of these shots from beyond the arc will open up the driving lanes for Irving and Hayward.

With Brad Stevens’ motion offense, and the Celtics’ ability to seamlessly get to their third or fourth option on a possession, this team will get create a lot of open looks.

The Boston Celtics weren’t the most efficient 3-point shooting team, because they made 35.9 percent of their attempts, which ranked 14th in the NBA. But the Rockets also made just 35.7 percent of their 3-pointers, while still leading the league in 3-pointers made. The mere threat of the 3-point shot left defenders scrambling, which allowed James Harden to put up insane numbers last year.

The 3-point shot can erase a 10-point deficit in a couple of minutes or blow a game wide open just as quickly. It’s a necessary component of winning in the current NBA landscape.

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