Fundamentals

[nyceltsfan]

I still believe this team can turn it around by making some easy adjustments.  In watching the Houston game, we made some costly mistakes (like Brown's travel on a wide open dunk, or Tatum's misses at the rim, and some free throws missed by Morris).  In addition to all that, there was a stretch when the Celtics stopped the initial FG attempt, but could not secure the rebound.  The inability to box out is infuriating to me.  However, the things that I mentioned above are easy to clean up and can be the difference between winning and losing.

I actually took a some positives out of the game:

1. Kyrie was pushing the ball in the 3rd quarter and attacked the rim.
2. The Celtics as a team made more of a commitment to drive the ball.
3. Rozier's pressure by picking up the ball handler full court is a new dimension to add to the defensive schemes.
4. The return of Baynes and Stevens' willingness to play him alongside Horford for some sets.

The biggest problems on the team right now are Hayward and Morris for their lack of productivity.  Also, the team seems to hit another gear when Kyrie is out of the game, which means that there is a chemistry issue.

I believe that Stevens will go back to starting Horford and Baynes together and he will reinsert Brown in the starting lineup for Smart.  Hopefully, that will put us on the right track to future success.

[Chris22]

Starting unit...Irving, Brown, Baynes, Tatum, and Horford.

In addition, start boxing out, square up when you shoot threes, no pull up threes on the fast break, and drive to the basket again and again and again.

[nyceltsfan]

Agreed - TP

[alt]

Starting unit...Irving, Brown, Baynes, Tatum, and Horford.

In addition, start boxing out, square up when you shoot threes, no pull up threes on the fast break, and drive to the basket again and again and again.

I should think team needs Smart in the starting five. Alternatively, Hawyard (or even Rozier, in theory). Another player who can be in charge of some of the playmaking and distribution.

Rather keep Smart - Irving enjoys playing with Smart, trusts him and having him there helps to set the tone - the defensive tone, precisely. Actually, I'd consider moving Tatum to the bench and go with Smart-Brown on the wings. Might even go with Ojeleye at the 3. In my view, that's a winning proposition: a starting five with defensive talent that sets the tone in terms of defensive effort. Shows the opponent starters they're in for a night of pain even if it's just 1 out of 82.

Pull up threes on the transition is a very efficient shot - higher risk, but pretty much mandatory in certain scoreboard situations. No reason to stop shooting them just because the team has been shooting poorly.

Agree with most nyceltsfans points. This team has problems that arise from a discombobulated offense which seems a product of many players being too anxious, uncertain or unpersuaded with/by their roles, etc - which, in turn, reverberates into a porous defense, due to lack of engagement and discipline - and problems of execution. One feeds the other. But the team should be able to fix the later to a large extent. Start doing the little things well and they start accumulating and eventually you're in a position where the bigger things start being patched. Wasn't it Brad Stevens who talked about basketball karma points? Was it some other coach maybe? It's a good image.

[Chris22]

Starting unit...Irving, Brown, Baynes, Tatum, and Horford.

In addition, start boxing out, square up when you shoot threes, no pull up threes on the fast break, and drive to the basket again and again and again.

I should think team needs Smart in the starting five. Alternatively, Hawyard (or even Rozier, in theory). Another player who can be in charge of some of the playmaking and distribution.

Rather keep Smart - Irving enjoys playing with Smart, trusts him and having him there helps to set the tone - the defensive tone, precisely. Actually, I'd consider moving Tatum to the bench and go with Smart-Brown on the wings. Might even go with Ojeleye at the 3. In my view, that's a winning proposition: a starting five with defensive talent that sets the tone in terms of defensive effort. Shows the opponent starters they're in for a night of pain even if it's just 1 out of 82.

Pull up threes on the transition is a very efficient shot - higher risk, but pretty much mandatory in certain scoreboard situations. No reason to stop shooting them just because the team has been shooting poorly.

Agree with most nyceltsfans points. This team has problems that arise from a discombobulated offense which seems a product of many players being too anxious, uncertain or unpersuaded with/by their roles, etc - which, in turn, reverberates into a porous defense, due to lack of engagement and discipline - and problems of execution. One feeds the other. But the team should be able to fix the later to a large extent. Start doing the little things well and they start accumulating and eventually you're in a position where the bigger things start being patched. Wasn't it Brad Stevens who talked about basketball karma points? Was it some other coach maybe? It's a good image.

The team was better with Smart running the second unit. Time to go back to that.

[nyceltsfan]

While we are proposing changes to the starting lineup, I just want to reiterate that one of my main observations was that the Celtics are having issues closing out the defensive possessions by not securing the rebound.  I have seen some people in different threads proposing starting Brown over Morris and leaving the rest of the starting lineup intact.  I am curious whether that would have a positive or negative impact on the boards.  I think it may hurt us on the boards.

Also, I think Brad should experiment with other lineups with 2 bigs.  Williams and Theis may be interesting or Williams and Horford.  Also, I am going to make a plea for giving Ojeleye some minutes - he may be needed in the playoffs to defend Simmons/Greek Freak.

[celticinorlando]

Fundamentals improve when effort improves. The Celtics are a lazy me first team right now. Until they play as one and for each other, nothing will change.