The Boston Celtics’ historic reliance on three-point taking pictures backfired Monday night time as they missed a document 45 makes an attempt from past the arc in a 108-105 time beyond regulation loss to the New York Knicks in Sport 1 of their Japanese Convention semifinal sequence.
Boston went 15-for-60 on three-pointers, setting a brand new playoff document for many three-point makes an attempt in a recreation. The Celtics squandered a 20-point second-half lead as their offense grew more and more perimeter-oriented.
“A few of ’em felt good, a few of ’em felt like we perhaps pressured the problem,” mentioned Jaylen Brown, who went 1-of-10 from deep. “Positively our rhythm and our timing was a bit of bit off. We received plenty of nice seems to be, however it might be some fact [to shooting too many] immediately.”
Chilly Capturing Opens Door For Knicks Comeback
After constructing a cushty 20-point benefit, the Celtics linked on simply 3 of their closing 28 three-point makes an attempt. Boston’s taking pictures woes have been notably evident within the second half, once they went 9-for-34 from lengthy vary.
The Knicks capitalized on Boston’s misses, with OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson combining to attain or help on 55 of New York’s 63 factors after halftime. Regardless of taking 23 fewer three-point makes an attempt, the Knicks made two extra (17) than the Celtics.
“Clearly in hindsight, if we might return, we would most likely drive the ball a bit of bit extra as a result of we missed plenty of pictures tonight,” mentioned Jayson Tatum, who completed 4-of-15 from three-point vary.
Mazzulla Defends Shot Choice Regardless of Outcomes
Joe Mazzulla, who has emphasised maximizing three-point makes an attempt all through the season, remained comparatively steadfast in his method regardless of the historic taking pictures droop.
“I take a look at the method and the shot high quality, [and] our shot high quality was excessive,” Mazzulla mentioned. “There have been most likely eight to 10 pictures that may very well be higher at for positive.”
Boston’s shot choice down the stretch drew criticism even from throughout the group. The Celtics took solely six free throws after establishing their 20-point lead, relying nearly solely on perimeter pictures to keep up their benefit.
“In these moments when the opposite group received momentum you’ll be able to’t simply fireplace up 3s to interrupt up momentum,” Brown mentioned. “You bought to get to the free throw line, get to the paint, get to the basket, perhaps get a simple two. You hit some free throws after which perhaps the following 3-pointer feels a bit of bit higher.”
