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NBA Analysis: Boston Celtics are the best team by far this season but, are they unstoppable?
NBAWednesday, 28 February 2024 at 23:00
The Boston Celtics are enjoying one of their best performances in regular season. Currently with 46 wins and only 12 losses they are looking like a juggernaut right now, but, the question needs to be asked: what could stop them from winning with such ease as they are doing? What could prevent them from winning this year's title?
In light of this, the only thing that could make Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and company stop, as the folks at RealGM comment, would be a 'sudden cool off'.
Beyond Kristaps Porzingis health, questioned by his injury history, there is one crucial factor that could destabilize the Celtics' dominance: three-point shooting.
This season, the Celtics have shined as the best three-point shooting team in the league, outperforming everyone in average three-pointers per possession, ranking fourth in percentage and leading in attempts. Their strategy is based on this aspect, and so far it has been effective, leading them to accumulate 46 wins and 12 losses, with a dominance that exceeds 10 points per 100 possessions.
However, when the three-point shooting goes cold, the situation changes drastically. Half of the Celtics' losses this season have come in games where they scored fewer than 15 three-pointers, with a 7-6 record on such occasions.
It's in those moments, when the team shows vulnerability, lacking effective alternatives. Their reliance on isolations and shots from the post becomes a liability when the threes don't go in, and their ability to compete is threatened.
A troubling fact is that last season, in their run to the 2023 playoffs, the Celtics also struggled in this regard. In nine games, they made fewer than 15 three-pointers and posted an unfavorable 2-7 record, costing them the chance to retain their title as Eastern Conference champions.
The Celtics are the team to beat in the East and have the potential to reach the Finals if they maintain their level of play. However, they are not invulnerable. If their three-point shooting cools off on a sustained basis, they could face serious difficulties on their way to glory.
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