10 takeaways from the Celtics’ wins at Michigan, North Carolina and finally Georgia

The Boston Celtics were in Atlanta last night and made sure to finish the game as early as possible so they could be ready to vote the next day. Against a fast team with energetic players, the Celtics showed that they can adapt to their opponents.

1. Best transition game of the season

When I looked at the Celtics’ double-big lineup against the speedy Atlanta Hawks, I was worried that the Celtics wouldn’t be able to keep up. But it was exactly the opposite.

After a slow start, the Celtics became more aggressive and caused turnovers. According to Cleaning the Glass, 20% of the Hawks’ possessions resulted in turnovers. The Celtics created many good opportunities after these turnovers, but what was even more impressive was their speed after a rebound.

On average, NBA teams create a transition opportunity on 30% of their defensive rebounds. Last night in Atlanta, the Celtics attempted on 51% of their defensive rebounds. They hit the speed button hard and left one of the fastest teams in the league behind.

2. Speed ​​as a balance for talent

With Jayson Tatum on the bench, the Celtics really stepped up their game.

Tatum sat at the start of the 2nd quarter and the Hawks began to make life difficult for the Celtics. To adjust, Joe Mazzulla took some time off and made it a point to run hard after a stop.

In the play above, Queta and Pritchard run off the ball and put pressure on the Hawks defense. Holiday’s quick screen in the trailer got the defense on its feet while Queta simultaneously set up an exit screen for Hauser, who, thanks to spacing and teamwork, moved to the rim for an open shot.

3. More shots at the rim than usual

The Celtics made good use of the Hawks’ lack of rim protection. So far this season, they have taken 28% of their shots at the rim for an efficiency of 68%. Against Atlanta, that number rose to 33% with an efficiency of 77%.

This was crucial as the Hawks could make life difficult behind the three-point line. But the Celtics took advantage of the Hawks’ aggressive perimeter defense to attack the rim.

In a five-out high post offense, the Celtics put the ball in the hands of their weakest shooter to create space. Tillman, a strong passer, found success in the high post. Around him Tatum, Pritchard and Hauser, all solid three-point shooters, mixed screens. The Hawks were so focused on stopping the three that they left the rim clear.

4. One play shows why the Hawks defense has too many weaknesses

The Celtics exploited the Hawks’ defensive weaknesses with speed, transition play and the challenge of their outside aggression. The Hawks have too many structural problems to compete. Trae Young and Clint Capela are easy targets, and even with great defensive wings they can’t fully compensate.

On the play above, Capela remained in the team on the weak side while Young was screened. Zacharie Risacher stepped up as Queta rolled. Capela marked the center and left Risacher to contest Holiday’s open three-pointer. The Celtics’ spacing, coupled with the Hawks’ defensive prowess, allowed for quality shots.

5. Jayson Tatum is still playing like an MVP

Just another day at the office for Tatum. In the first half, he tirelessly used his teammates’ screens to target Trae Young on defense and make him work. After 18 minutes, Tatum had scored 26 points, had four assists and was everywhere on the court.

His activity on and off the ball was impressive. When he had the ball, he drove aggressively and broke through the defense. Off the ball he was constantly moving and creating chances. While fans may remember his stepbacks and dunks, Tatum’s impact off the ball is unique and sets him apart.

6. Queta brings energy to the offensive…

The double-big lineup with Queta and Horford was interesting. Queta provides more verticality than Kornet or Tillman, which fits well with Horford, who can recognize most screens and let Queta. He generated seven points with his screens and created a lot of space. His energy, angles and offensive rebounding also made him a major threat on the ball.

Although he is limited by his shooting ability, he helps the offense with the little things that make a big impact.

7. But he focuses on defense

While Queta was positive on offense, he struggled to stay fit defensively. Maybe playing alongside another great doesn’t help.

He was tasked with guarding one of the Hawks’ wings while Horford faced Capela and stayed near the rim. However, the Hawks’ quick, vertical wings still found ways to target him early and kept the game exciting…at least in the first quarter.

8. Payton Pritchard’s case for Sixth Man of the Year continues to grow

What do we expect from a 6th man? Influence the game as soon as they touch the ground. Last night Pritchard entered the game against the Celtics with a lead of 1; They were up by six 40 seconds later, with Pritchard scoring five straight points.

This season he has a 67% shooting percentage and rarely turns the ball over. His effort on defense and his +16.3 OnCourt +/- Impact show his value and increase Mike Shearer’s confidence in his 6MOY candidacy.

9. The offense in the 4th quarter was a difficult affair…

The Stay Ready group, which put up 28 points in the fourth quarter, struggled on offense. In 12 minutes, the Celtics had just three assisted field goals, committed seven turnovers and went 1/11 from three. It was clear that Davidson, Scheieman and Springer still needed to develop offensively.

But because the Celtics are so dominant, they will likely get more opportunities this season.

10. …But the defense was solid

Despite offensive struggles, the Stay Ready group played well on defense and faced a talented Hawks bench.

Springer and Walsh led the way, forcing seven turnovers in the final quarter. They will look to expand their defensive efforts and become more effective in the half-court offense as the season progresses.