06-12-2024, 12:45 PM
from zach lowe column
If there is one number encapsulating why the Boston Celtics are up 2-0 over the Dallas Mavericks, hoping to cap a dominant season with their 18th title, it is this: Boston has attempted 60 catch-and-shoot 3s, the Mavericks just 28.
Boston's two-game average -- 30 -- would have led the league. The Mavs' -- 14 -- is six below the basement. They attempted a league-leading 11.3 corner 3s in the regular season. They are 2-of-8; Boston is 11-of-26.
The Mavs made it semi-interesting late in Game 2, and they'd be closer overall if not for their dismal 3-point shooting: 13-of-53 (24.5%). But Boston is only 26-of-81 (32%), and the attempt chasm matters more than the accuracy gap -- especially since catch-and-shoot 3s account for all of it. If that chasm sustains, the Mavericks have no path to victory.
If there is one number encapsulating why the Boston Celtics are up 2-0 over the Dallas Mavericks, hoping to cap a dominant season with their 18th title, it is this: Boston has attempted 60 catch-and-shoot 3s, the Mavericks just 28.
Boston's two-game average -- 30 -- would have led the league. The Mavs' -- 14 -- is six below the basement. They attempted a league-leading 11.3 corner 3s in the regular season. They are 2-of-8; Boston is 11-of-26.
The Mavs made it semi-interesting late in Game 2, and they'd be closer overall if not for their dismal 3-point shooting: 13-of-53 (24.5%). But Boston is only 26-of-81 (32%), and the attempt chasm matters more than the accuracy gap -- especially since catch-and-shoot 3s account for all of it. If that chasm sustains, the Mavericks have no path to victory.
![[-]](https://www.mavsboard.com/images/collapse.png)