3 keys for the Boston Celtics to win Game 2 vs. the Brooklyn Nets
By Jack Duggan
3 keys to a Game 2 win for the Boston Celtics: Control the transition game
For the Celtics to maintain their success against Brooklyn, controlling the tempo and getting out in transition will be key. The Celtics have proven to be elite defensively, yet against the Nets in Game 1, there were certainly errors that could be corrected.
For example, I remember three distinct moments in which miscommunications led to wide open Kevin Durant transition threes. Two of these shots came in the fourth quarter, but luckily for the Celtics ,he missed the more important of the two.
The Celtics’ transition defense needs to be improved in this series. The way the Boston defense has been constructed, makes it very hard to pick on particular matchups in the half court, thus many of Brooklyns best looks came in transition.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Celtics must improve their shot selection in transition opportunities. In many instances, the Celtics rushed their offense and took threes in transition rather than utilizing their numbers advantage.
By controlling the pace, the Celtics will challenge the lackluster Brooklyn defenders to contest in space. They can also force Brooklyn to play at their pace, which will work in favor of Boston’s defensive strengths.
Cleaning up both their offensive and defensive transition game will be crucial in winning Game 2 on Wednesday.