What a difference a week makes!
Just seven days ago, it felt like the sky was falling. The Celtics had given up 24 fourth-quarter points to the Detroit Pistons en route to an opening-night loss. Ausar Thompson had put the clamps on Jayson Tatum, and a Paul George throwback game wasn’t enough to get the team over the line.
The wounds of the Jaylen Brown trade reopened and still haven't closed following that game, too. Yet since that tough opening-day loss, the Celtics have rattled off three straight wins, all at home.
Tuesday’s overtime dub over the Brooklyn Nets was the latest in a short string of impressive games for Mazzulla’s team, even if they had to claw and scratch on every possession.
Boston needed a game like this. A game where they were tested not by talent level, but by commitment, physicality, and sheer will to win. The opening two games came against the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, two highly talented teams with hopes of finishing near the top of the standings.
Brooklyn aren’t in that race. Instead, beating a team like Boston gives them bragging rights. It gives them belief that they’re on the right track. Most of all, it gives them something to hold on to when an inevitable rough patch hits once the games start coming thicker and faster.
Tough luck.
The Celtics aren’t going to lay down for anyone.
A win like this, coming in the final seconds of overtime, after the Nets had matched the Celtics blow for blow, will give Mazzulla’s team belief. Games like this can act as launching pads. It’s all well and good notching a win when shots fell and plays were executed flawlessly. It’s another thing to overcome a night where you shot like shit on the perimeter — hitting just 26.8% on 11-of-41 shooting from deep — adjusted on the fly, and found ways to get things done.
Over the first four games of the season, the Celtics have ranked 16th for offensive frequency around the rim, using 31.4% of their overall shot attempts within 4 feet of the bucket. Yet, with Boston once again facing an ice wall from deep (just as it did on opening night), the team adjusted.
38% of Boston’s shot attempts came in the restricted area, and a further 22% in the mid-range. Sure, the Celtics still took their fair share of threes; that was inevitable, but they didn’t overcompensate for each missed shot. Every possession was attacked on its own merit. Every action was run in line with whatever principles Mazzulla has instilled since the players returned for training camp.
Everyone in the rotation deserves their credit. Luka Garza was massive in the third quarter. George’s activity in the passing lanes worked to frustrate the Nets. Jordan Walsh had arguably one of his best offensive showings since entering the league.
We can go down the list.
And then, we would get to Jayson freaking Tatum.
