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Boston Celtics: 3 ways to break out of current slump

By Owen Crisafulli

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts toward referee Brent Barnaky #36 after a call during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 109-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts toward referee Brent Barnaky #36 after a call during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 109-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Romeo Langford (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Romeo Langford (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Boston Celtics need to work harder on the defensive side of the ball

Head Coach Brad Stevens had become renowned for implementing a tight defensive system with previous Boston Celtics teams, so it’s been concerning to see the team struggle so much on that side of the ball this season.

Boston typically boasts a top 5 defense in the league, but sit at 12th in the NBA in defensive rating, with their rating being 111.3. They were in the bottom half of the league prior to their six game win streak, and while their defensive intensity picked up during that streak, it appears to have regressed yet again.

Let’s start with the three point defense. In their two most recent losses to the Hornets and Thunder, Boston’s defense has allowed both teams to shoot over 40 percent from behind the arc, which is just way too high of a figure for a defense that wants to be competent.

Too often they leave shooters wide open on the perimeter, typically as a result of over-helping on other players, or just failing to recognize what the offense is running.

Here’s a simple play the Hornets ran against the Celtics that led to a relatively uncontested three from PJ Washington. Washington pins Smart down to force Grant Williams to switch onto Devonte’ Graham, then flashes Williams again, causing a messy transition between Williams and Smart. Nobody follows Washington, and he gets a clean shot before Smart can race back and get a contest on him.

The interior defense has also taken a hit recently, especially with Rob Williams absence recently. We saw Nikola Vucevic bully the Celtics in the paint and essentially take over the second half of that contest to help the Chicago Bulls pick up a victory. The Brooklyn Nets seemed like they could get open looks at the rim whenever they wanted in their victory over the C’s, and it was really their secondary players, such as Bruce Brown and Blake Griffin, who managed to get easy two’s whenever they pleased.

When the team puts in any sort of effort on defense, they typically are very good at slowing down opposing teams. But too often this season teams have gotten wide open three point shots or easy rolls to the rim. Increasing the intensity on defense has to be a priority for this team if they want to break out of their slump anytime soon.

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