3 keys to a Game 2 win for the Boston Celtics: Finish shots around the rim
One of the major areas where the Celtics struggled in Game 2 was finishing some of the easy looks they generated. In the fourth quarter alone, there were three major missed layups (one a putback dunk) that turned into transition buckets for Brooklyn.
In the regular season, the Celtics were the second-best team in the league on finishing shots from five feet or closer to the basket (66.4 percent). In game 2, the Celtics will have to regain this ability and finish after generating open looks down low.
Brooklyn lacks elite rim protection, and attacking inside is certainly a major part of the Celtics’ offensive game plan. Whether it was Tatum or Brown attacking off the dribble, Al Horford post ups, or even offensive rebounds, Boston was able to produce many high percentage looks around the rim yesterday. Only issue was that many of them rimmed out. Whether due to nerves or the physicality of the playoffs, these misses where uncharacteristic of Boston, and will need to be cleaned up.
Not only do these types of misses hurt the Celtics, but they directly aid Brooklyn. The Celtics’ defense has be phenomenal this season, but it is at its best when given a chance to set up and lock in.
Missing shots around the rim lead to easier transition looks for the Nets, something that you certainly don’t want to give them. The Celtics are not a bad transition defensive team by any means, but finishing around the rim will help them control the pace of the game.
On top of misses around the rim, the Cs shot a bit under their season average from the FT line. Uncharacteristic misses from players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown need to be eradicated in Game 2. Converting on free throws, while simple, is a massive key to victory in the playoffs.
The Celtics made big plays on offense when it counted, but erasing some of the small unusual mistakes will be important for winning on Wednesday.