Celtics Struggle with Offensive Rebounds in Loss to Hawks
ICARO Media Group
In a disappointing defeat, the Atlanta Hawks outplayed the Boston Celtics in the battle for rebounds, particularly offensive rebounds. The Hawks managed to secure an impressive 17 offensive rebounds throughout the game, granting them valuable second-chance scoring opportunities.
The Celtics' inability to control their defensive glass proved to be costly, as 28 of the Hawks' 123 points were a result of these second-chance scenarios. The Celtics must address this issue promptly if they hope to improve their overall performance.
One standout player for the Hawks was Clint Capela, who proved to be a force on the glass, grabbing crucial rebounds that gave his team an advantage. Capela's dominance in this aspect of the game will undoubtedly provide the Celtics' coaching staff with valuable film to analyze and learn from.
It is evident that the Celtics need to tighten up their defensive rebounding swiftly to prevent similar situations in the future. Limiting the Hawks' second-chance opportunities would have significantly impacted the flow of the game.
Meanwhile, in a separate game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics experimented with a switching defense strategy. Dejounte Murray of the Celtics found success when attacking Kristaps Porzingis, who is not accustomed to switching roles defensively. Despite Murray seeming to have the upper hand, Porzingis managed to hold him to 4-of-10 shooting when matched up against him.
While it is unlikely that the Celtics will adopt a full-time 1-through-5 switching system in their defensive scheme, their coaching staff's focus on developing and refining such strategies shows their commitment to staying competitive. With little left to play for this season, this experimentation provides the team with valuable insights for future games.
In another game, the Celtics found themselves in a tight situation with the game on the line. Jayson Tatum attempted a difficult, contested three-point shot with two defenders in his face, narrowly missing and forcing overtime. The Hawks' defense did an exceptional job of denying other options, blocking any potential drive to the basket.
While Tatum deserves some accountability for his shot selection, the overall process leading up to the shot needs to be re-evaluated by both the coaching staff and the players. In crucial moments, there should potentially have been a timeout called to regroup and explore other offensive strategies.
Defensively, the Celtics displayed inconsistency throughout the game against the Hawks. While their offensive plays were effective, their defensive efforts were questionable, with the Hawks finding gaps to exploit and capitalize on mismatches. Maintaining a strong defensive system is crucial for the Celtics, and Coach Mazzulla will need to ensure his team remains focused, even in games with little significance.
On the positive side, the Celtics managed to generate 27 points in transition, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on fast breaks and forced turnovers. However, it is essential for the team to strike a balance between relying on transition offense and implementing a robust defensive strategy that specializes in shutting down half-court actions.
The Celtics will need to regroup and evaluate their performance moving forward as they strive to maintain their reputation as one of the league's top defenses. Though these games may hold little weight in the grand scheme of the season, it is crucial not to develop bad habits that could negatively impact their performance in the upcoming playoffs.
While today's analysis may be more concise, stay tuned for more comprehensive coverage in the Celtics' upcoming game against the Pelicans.