The Boston Celtics’ historic reliance on three-point capturing 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 Recreation 1 of their Jap Convention semifinal collection.
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 compelled the problem,” stated Jaylen Brown, who went 1-of-10 from deep. “Positively our rhythm and our timing was just a little bit off. We obtained plenty of nice seems to be, however it might be some reality [to shooting too many] in the present day.”
Chilly Taking pictures Opens Door For Knicks Comeback
After constructing a cushty 20-point benefit, the Celtics related on simply 3 of their last 28 three-point makes an attempt. Boston’s capturing woes had 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 just a little bit extra as a result of we missed plenty of pictures tonight,” stated 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 strategy regardless of the historic capturing droop.
“I have a look at the method and the shot high quality, [and] our shot high quality was excessive,” Mazzulla stated. “There have been most likely eight to 10 pictures that could possibly be higher at for certain.”
Boston’s shot choice down the stretch drew criticism even from inside the crew. The Celtics took solely six free throws after establishing their 20-point lead, relying virtually solely on perimeter pictures to keep up their benefit.
“In these moments when the opposite crew obtained momentum you’ll be able to’t simply fireplace up 3s to interrupt up momentum,” Brown stated. “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 subsequent 3-pointer feels just a little bit higher.”