Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks
5. The remaining guards need to step up
The Boston Celtics have been a team driven by strong guard play ever since the last title team in 2008. From Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, to Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley, postseason play in Beantown meant dominant guards.
This year will need to continue that trend for Boston to have a realistic shot at a deep run. With Kyrie Irving out for the season and Marcus Smart not expected back until May, that means the burden to step up and reach excellence will be on Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown.
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Rozier has taken a step forward this year as a key part of the rotation, averaging a career high 21.2 percent usage while increasing his efficiency. He struck career highs across the board — in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, 3-pointers, effective field goal percentage and perhaps most importantly, games started.
Jaylen Brown built on a solid rookie season by becoming a reliable starter at the 2. Seven Celtics hit at least 1.3 3-pointers per game and Brown was one of them, shooting a solid 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. Brown’s defensive versatility allowed him to take the more difficult backcourt assignment, leaving Irving or Rozier free to focus on offense.
Neither one is a star, although both (particularly Brown) have star upside. However, each has shown when called upon this season that they can offer more than they have before. If and when Boston needs its guards to reach another level, how well these two step up will determine how far this postseason run goes.