Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. 76ers

1. Brad Stevens. Just, wow.

In the game of basketball, it’s truly hard to quantify the value of a great head coach.

Sure, they can draw up all the plays and schemes they want, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the players to hit shots and defend at a high level. Right?

In the case of the Celtics, the value of their coach is seen more and more with each passing game.

Brad Stevens continues to make a case for best coach in the NBA, as his tactics on both ends of the floor have the Celtics pulling off continuous upsets in these playoffs.

Stevens is the one who created the offense that’s allowed everyone on Boston’s roster to thrive offensively. He’s the best when it comes to drawing up out-of-bounds plays, as the C’s tied the game in regulation with a lob-pass to Brown, and took the lead at the end of overtime with a lob to Horford.

According to Synergy Basketball, Boston posted an effective field goal percentage of 72 percent on out-of-bounds plays in the final two minutes during the regular season, a clear indicator of Stevens’ greatness with the whiteboard.

While Philadelphia struggles offensively late in games, seemingly forcing up undesired looks at the end of the shot clock, the Celtics are the exact opposite — cool and collected, getting any shot they want.

No matter how deep Boston goes in these playoffs, it’s not fair to judge its chances solely based on roster talent.

Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Brad Stevens needs to be factored into the equation, and more often than not, he’ll tip the scales in the Celtics’ favor.