Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Cavaliers
By Chris Conner
1. Boston’s balance is hard to match
Head coach Brad Stevens has been praised for his commitment to overcoming adversity. The Celtics have been forced to play without their two biggest off season acquisitions in Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving.
While those two losses have affected their ability to score at times, their defense and balance have stayed in tact. Stevens knows how important the Celtics’ “system” is when being undermanned.
"Stay in our system."
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2018
Brad Stevens mic'd up for the @celtics in Game 1!#CUsRise #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/7zKSnNsJwN
The playoffs have shown in the past that it takes an army to dethrone LeBron James. One player or a dynamic duo simply isn’t enough. It’s why Boston matched up better against the Cavs last year without All-Star Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics play their best when driven by balance and togetherness. Basketball potluck, if you will.
In Game 1, everyone brought something different to the table for the Celtics.
Al Horford was the leader of the defense.
Al Horford's command of the defensive scheme on this play epitomized how Boston dominated early. With TT on the floor, Celtics went into a switching scheme where Cleveland wanted to get Rozier on LeBron. Horford would sag off TT waiting to switch Rozier off & smother Lebron. pic.twitter.com/1ztLL9kVgA
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 14, 2018
Jaylen Brown brought it on both sides of the floor with spectacular plays.
Jaylen Brown getting it done on both ends!
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2018
Another 19-8 sprint for the @celtics on #NBAonABC #CUsRise 61 | #WhateverItTakes 35 pic.twitter.com/k01Ed4nT91
Marcus Morris brought swagger and toughness.
Maybe Marcus is onto something...
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 13, 2018
Since 2013-14, LeBron James has at least 50 FGA against 26 players in the halfcourt.
He's shooting 33% when defended by Marcus Morris. The only player to force James into a lower percentage in that span is Draymond Green.
h/t @SecondSpectrum pic.twitter.com/1a3JAGlsbO
Even Terry Rozier gave us laughs.
Waving that Scary Terry shirt at Terry Rozier pic.twitter.com/vX4oCTijgr
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 13, 2018
This goes without mentioning other important contributors in Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum. It just shows how deep Boston is, and given what they’re missing, that is beyond difficult to grasp.
Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft
If the Celtics can continue this type of terrific team basketball, they’ll have much more in common with the Western Conference team they’re often compared to, the San Antonio Spurs.