NBA Playoffs: 5 Reasons the Boston Celtics have Won 3 Straight Games
By Riley Culler
Celtics using smarter zone defense to shut down Jimmy Butler
Isaiah Thomas was an MVP candidate this season, but being 5’9, he’s very limited on defense. In the first two games of the series, Jimmy Butler took advantage of the much smaller Thomas.
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It was too easy for Butler, even when Thomas wasn’t covering him he would call for the screen and switch to have Thomas defending him. Along with a lineup change, Brad Stevens made a defensive change as well. The Celtic’s focused on keeping Thomas away from Butler on the defensive side of the ball.
Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder would play a sort of zone defense, when Butler called for the pick on Thomas one of them would switch and guard Butler. Smart and Crowder are much better match ups to guard Jimmy Butler. Crowder because of his size, and Smart because he not only plays phenomenal defense but is great at taking charges.
Avery Bradley is leader on defense for the Boston Celtics
Avery Bradley was also a big factor is Boston’s stellar defense. Bradley was awarded NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2016 and NBA All-Defensive second Team in 2013. Despite being 6’2, Bradley has made life difficult for Jimmy Butler.
This new zone defense has worked to perfection, as Jimmy Butler’s FG% has dropped. Through the first two games, Butler FG% was .436 – In the last three games his FG% was .384.