Three issues from Celtics-Bulls – CelticsBlog

One other recreation, one other victory for the Boston Celtics. This time, over the Chicago Bulls, who shot a blistering 57.3% from the sector. Regardless of that, Boston pulled off a win due to their three-point capturing and offensive rebounding.

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Vacation all sat out in opposition to Chicago, as soon as once more displaying Boston’s health-first priorities. So as soon as once more, listed here are some area of interest observations.

1. Celtics’ defensive switching

The important thing to being among the finest defensive groups within the league is connectivity. Boston has been on the identical web page all 12 months, with a wholesome dose of Vacation’s free-safety play blended in.

Right here, Coby White drives into the lane and will get Luke Kornet on him after a Nikola Vucevic display screen.

Kornet cuts off White’s drive completely, so the Bulls guard is compelled to take the ball again out. Somewhat than following him, Jayson Tatum merely picks White up once more, and he’s compelled to take a troublesome mid-range jumper.

Chicago is at fault for this play, too. Vucevic ought to have rolled tougher, forcing Kornet to drift between the 2 our bodies. However Boston’s togetherness to change this again with out even speaking is a really small, underappreciated element of their protection.

It might appear apparent, and the Bulls could not have executed properly, however the Celtics’ protection nonetheless deserves credit score.

2. Tatum-White excessive PnR

These are the forms of performs followers have been begging the Celtics to run on the finish of video games.

Derrick White handles the ball by the emblem, and Tatum goes all the best way out to run a excessive pick-n-roll. The opposite three Celtics gamers are spacing the ground to the corners, giving them a free run of the center of the ground.

Ayo Dosunmu fights previous the display screen, however since Tatum set it so excessive up the ground, he has a ton of house to work with. Torrey Craig is anticipating a re-screen and making an attempt to disclaim Tatum the ball, so he spins previous him and into the lane.

White feeds him the ball on the drive, your entire protection sucks in, and Tatum hits Pritchard within the nook for a wide-open three. A wonderful play executed to perfection. Pritchard simply missed the shot.

3. Oshae Brissett’s hustle

With Boston’s myriad of absences, Oshae Brissett has been incomes some additional taking part in time. And whereas his offensive recreation is missing, his hustle has been enormous.

The offensive rebounds are apparent. He grabbed three in opposition to the Bulls. Nevertheless it’s the small issues that stand out much more.

On this play, the Bulls had a three-on-one fast-break off a Tatum turnover. Brissett sprints down the ground, will get in entrance of Chicago, and forces them to decelerate.

By the point they bought a shot up, Tatum was again and despatched them packing. Tatum will get the block within the stat sheet, however Brissett deserves the credit score for the cease.