After being handed their first back-to-back loss since late March, the Boston Celtics are starring at the possibility of exiting the NBA Finals empty handed.
This is the story of the Celtics’ play-off run, being the underdog in most match-ups; as TIBS News looks at what they will have to do to force a Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors.
Jayson Tatum
Is it any surprise that Jayson Tatum is the answer to the Celtics’ problems? Throughout this year’s play-offs, Tatum has continued to show his excellence and has truly established himself as a top player in the league by averaging 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Finals have been no exception for the 24-year-old, continuing to dominate the game and put up a similar, if not better, statline.
However, the final quarter of Game 5 showed cracks in the young man’s game. Going one from five from the field and only posting five points in the quarter, this was the turning point and most crucial part of the game as the Warriors hit their stride and took over. As a superstar and the centrepiece of the team, the fourth quarter of a tight game should be the time and place to excel, not choke.
Tatum’s match-up throughout the Finals has been a mixture of Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson, who aren’t the easiest of players to score on due to their lengthy frames and dog-like will to defend. However, this should be favourable for Tatum and he should take advantage of these match-ups.
Listed at 6ft 8in, Tatum would only be an inch taller than Thompson and Wiggins. However, we all know listed heights are never to be trusted and this is the case with Tatum. Controversy at the start of Brad Stevens’ last season as head coach of the Celtics pointed towards the forward being 6ft 10in.
This height advantage along with his muscular frame and ability to knock down tough shots, should – in theory – see the Celtics look to give Tatum the ball in isolated situations anywhere on the court and allowing him to go to work.
Tatum would need to channel his hero Kobe Bryant on Thursday night and really impose himself on the game to ensure the Celtics see yet another Game 7.
Bigs, Bigs, Bigs
Arguably the biggest weakness of the Warriors is their lack of big men and has been since the start of their domination. It seems easy and most teams have tried to capitalise on such a flaw, so how will it work for Boston?
Al Horford and Daniel Theis are two versatile big men – as are half of the NBA’s big men currently. The two forwards have inside game and shooting ability from mid-range. Although the mid-range shot is heavily hated on nowadays and is considered the worst shot to take in basketball, this is where the Warriors can be exposed.
Despite the defensive excellence of Kevon Looney and the offensive brilliance of Nemanja Bjelica, they would be left alone on an island and put in a blender if the Celtics wanted to exploit them. The seven-footer Looney relies on his length and jumping ability whilst on defence and Bjelica just isn’t a skilled defender. This is a skilled big man’s dream matchup.
While in the mid-post, Horford and Theis could terrorise Looney with a variation of jumpers and fakes allowing them to get to the rim or to their spot for a pull up. They could use an isolated pick-and-roll on the wing, with the big only rolling halfway to the basket, giving them space to operate as Looney would most likely sag on the screen coverage.
However, it would be a different story if Draymond Green is covering one of these two, it would be best to pass the ball with the defensive menace guarding you.
The Celtics most likely won’t go this route though due to the everchanging play style in the NBA, but this is a huge weakness to exploit.
Obviously, The Celtics will need a lot more than this to take the red-hot Golden State, with their emerging third splash brother in Jordan Poole. The Greens will need the tenacious defence as always from Marcus Smart and the all-round role players to pull their weight, as well as some excellence from the ever-improving Jaylen Brown.
These are what TIBS News believe are the keys to the Boston Celtics forcing a Game 7 as the Warriors look to close out the series at the TD Garden and win another chip.
Can the Celtics show they’re still here to win?
By Jamie O’Sullivan
