Back on track: 10 Celtics/Hawks takeaways The Boston Celtics took care of the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images A comeback win over the Atlanta Hawks put the Boston Celtics back in the win column. Boston was missing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzignis, but still found a way to win. Most impressively, they rode tough stretches where the Falcons burned deep. We also saw an increase in ball movement and some dominating performances on both sides of the court. Let’s dive right in. #1 Horford’s dominant rebound Al Horford is just looking for ways to help this team. In one game, he knocks down his catch-and-shoot three to spark the offense, in another, he’s a short-game creator. Against the Hawks, Horford became the main Wilt Chamberlain (yes, that’s hyperbole), grabbing 15 rebounds, including 12 defensively. Clint Capela was considered the prototypical edge rusher in his prime. He’s still a physical presence around the rim. However, Horford’s ability to cut corners and command his space allowed him to ensure that the Celtics owned their defensive glass. It also helps that Jayson Tatum has developed into an advanced rebounder. As evidenced by his 9 boards and Jaylen Brown’s 7, the Celtics controlled the temperature of the game after the defensive stoppage. #2 Jaylen Brown is becoming a versatile producer “I think I’m a better basketball player than I’ve been in years,” Brown told the media after the game. “I was able to see things and make plays for others. Tonight was an example: a lot of hockey is about getting the ball in the right places. Good flow. Good offense. For me, it’s also about keeping a balance of when to make those plays and when to be that killer to be aggressive when I have to. I’m still figuring out the balance.” Early in the season, it looked like Brown was being used as the primary scorer. His role is predicted to be a knife, slasher and finisher on the spot. However in recent games, he has taken on a more complete role. He uses his gravity to create easy dribbles, and he accelerates, closes screens on defense and gets into position on offense. Take this play for example. Brown shows great patience in both primary and secondary studies. On the opening pick-and-roll, Atlanta looks to hit the punt, sending two against the Browns. Instead of forcing the issue, he passes to Payton Pritchard and tries to reset the play. When Brown gets the ball back, he gets the defense in gear but keeps his speed and body in check. Four defenders fall trying to take the ring. Brown reads the defense, makes a shooting move to threaten a layup, and lays it to Sam Hauser in the corner for a three. Those types of plays never presented themselves to Brown. He either gets confused by the flash, turns it on, or forces the issue. His game is improving and the spacing of the court helps show it. #3 Derrick White’s ball movement Like Horford, Derrick White just finds ways to impact the game. He can scale his production according to the needs of the team. With Holiday and Porzingis out of the game, White became the playmaker, dishing out 11 assists to his teammates while keeping turnovers low (he had 3) What I liked about White’s performance was that all his serves were light. Most of those came through “next round” basketball, where he was the linchpin of a game that consistently found the open man. Even the dime sent to Tatum was a “next pass” play and ended up in the bucket. This season, White has been Boston’s swiss army knife at goaltending. Last night it was a game changer; Later this week, it could be a catch-and-shoot three or hitting the rim. No matter what the Celtics need, White keeps finding ways to figure things out. #4 Atlanta pick-and-roll defense Atlanta mostly stuck to two main pick and roll principles. They flashed Tatum and Brown and performed with everyone else. Both types of coverage involve two passes to the ball handler after the screen appears. Two balls are kept inside; the other sends one of the defenders after a few steps to bring back his man. The Celtics opened up this defense time and time again. The clip above was Boston’s first offensive play. The Celtics have the Horford/White pick and roll. Atlanta go to their show. The show allows Horford to get into the paint unchecked. Capela has to recover after White gets off the ball. When Tatum receives the pass from White, the defense has to shift, leaving the entry pass wide open. Horford gets the easy bucket. Everything the Celtics did in the above possession came after the Hawks committed to the show and were slow to recover. The Hawks hope to hit a DHO between Brown and Luke Kornet in this clip. The cornet moves onto the nail and acts as an attachment point. Atlanta’s defense has shifted and is tracking the strong side, leaving room for the weak side and forcing a shutout. Brown hits Kornet, the big man shakes White, who goes into the “next pass” mindset, kicks it to Hauser, and boom, easy triangle.
Atlanta tied the game with two possessions, and Boston responded with a quick pass rush to get the opening kickoff in the second half. #5 Get geeky with it: Find counters Speaking of counters. One of my biggest issues with the Celtics offense in recent games has been the lack of a Plan B. Too often, the Celtics have looked unanswered when the defense shuts down their opening drive. So, as you can imagine, I was delighted when the Celtics started going against the Hawks.
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