2024 Playoffs- 4th Round: Boston Celtics - Dallas Mavericks

[SwisherPrice]

The Celtics don't have many weaknesses to exploit...but there are some lesser of evils that you have to settle for and try attacking. You already saw a little bit of it in the 2nd half with Gafford getting the ball more inside on mismatches where he has been able to score so that's a good start..especially when it's vs. Derrick White. Next, when Pritchard is in the game, you have to find a way to get Luka or PJ matched up on him inside and let them go to work. There are way too many possessions where Pritchard is guarding a bigger player in the corner and it doesn't matter because the ball isn't going there anyway.

Next, Kidd has to give EVERYONE the greenlight to run and force fastbreak opportunities. You cannot allow the pace to slow and let the Celtics set their defense. The Pacers had some success, even without Haliburton, because a lot of their shot opportunities came within the first 10 seconds of the shot clock. On a missed shot, take the ball and go...don't wait for Luka or Kyrie.

Green, Hardy, and Exum should all be encouraged to attack in transition, even if they get blocked or miss. I'd rather have them missing those shots than bricking the open threes in a half court offense that the Celtics want them to take. Horford is old and KP is made of glass...make them run and use some energy.

The Mavs offense is just way too predictable right now and they are playing right into the Celtics' strategy.