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The Boston Celtics lost their last two games to the Toronto Raptors, with the series now tied at 2-2. The triples have changed the course of the series
The Boston Celtics looked to cruise control after the first two games of this Eastern Conference second-round showdown with the Toronto Raptors. But, these are the NBA playoffs and it is never as straightforward as it could have been, especially when facing the defending world champions.
Two strong games by the Celtics to open the series, which included Boston throwing the 3-ball very well, while closing Toronto’s perimeter game at the opposite end were important factors in they could take that crucial 2-0 lead in the Serie. . Game 3 saw a small drop from the Celtics with their hot hands from beyond the arc, especially as the Raptors came out with their zone defense in the third quarter, while the Raptors began to pick up and get into a rhythm.
They got what seemed like an impossible win after Daniel Theis hit one to put the Boston Celtics up by two with 0.5 seconds left, only for Kyle Lowry to throw the inning pass over a towering Tacko Fall to find an OG Anunoby. open. for the victory of the Ave Maria, completely changing the course of this series.
A few days later, what looked like it was going to be a lot easier than anticipated for Boston is now anyone’s series, effectively the best of three. And the momentum is with Toronto after Game 4. This is the game that really underscored the 180 degree turn this series has made.
The Celtics shot a weak 20.0 percent from the 3-point ground in Game 4, making just seven 3s. The Raptors, on the other hand, were completely locked in, flipping the narrative again from the first two games, where they looked as weak as you can shoot from the perimeter.
Toronto made 17 of 44 3-point shots on Saturday, taking advantage of its opportunities. The Celtics’ percentage from there wasn’t the most worrying thing either. It was the selection of shots that ultimately left them slipping on this one. With six points down going into the fourth quarter, after another poor start to the second half, in a third mirroring Game 3, the Boston Celtics needed to be in their prime to beat the Raptors’ offense.
They didn’t do this, they actually collapsed in possession to the point where 19 points in the Raptors’ fourth quarter was enough to win this one comfortably. In that quarter, the Celtics made just six field goals, spinning the ball five times. Something that you definitely can’t afford against a team that is so good at transition and was in the zone during it.
The 3-point shooting is something you can really rely on to achieve separation when you have players like Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum on your team, but the amount of contested shots the Celtics are throwing right now is very concerning. Brad Stevens knows this was the case and it can’t be in Game Five and beyond.
Whether using their pick and roll game to get in or simply feeding the post, the Celtics’ offense needs to adapt quickly to counter the momentum that happened in this series due to the 3-point battle favoring the Raptors. Since the start of the third quarter of Game 3, the Celtics have seen each other as an entirely different team. Lack of good looks, lack of conscience protecting Toronto’s 3-point attempts and carelessness in possession have all added up and allowed the Raptors to become favorites in this series.
We know this Celtics defense is great, currently second in the playoffs allowing 103.0 points per game, but it can be a lot better very easily. Perimeter problems are the most obvious and need to be tackled in the future. Offensively, the adjustments must come and the Boston Celtics must be patient and make sure they seize their opportunities when they come along, otherwise this series could really turn into a nightmare.
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