#1 – Rim pressure to start things off

The relationship between the rim and the Celtics has been inconsistent lately. With three-point shots not falling, the Celtics prioritized attacking the rim to start the game.

In the first quarter, the Celtics took 11 shots in the paint while attempting only five three-pointers. This aggressive approach led to one of their best starts in recent games, scoring 35 points in the first 12 minutes. They went 5-of-5 at the rim, 6-of-6 at the free-throw line, and recorded seven assists with only two turnovers.

Against a strong defense, the Celtics needed to convert their shots to set up their half-court defensive plan against Paolo Banchero.

#2 – Anti-Banchero plan

With Franz Wagner out, Orlando’s offensive creation became more predictable, funneling through Paolo Banchero. The Celtics were prepared with a plan to slow him down.

In post-up situations, the Celtics didn’t allow mismatches to persist, forcing Banchero to move the ball instead of driving. They occasionally shifted into a box-and-one defense, with Jrue Holiday guarding Banchero full-court while the rest of the team zoned around the paint.

The Celtics also switched off-ball to avoid leaving defenders isolated against the strong wing. This defensive approach disrupted Orlando’s rhythm, slowing their offense and forcing them to explore alternative scoring routes.

Boston applied some clever tactics too. Knowing the Magic wanted to target Payton Pritchard, they occasionally assigned him to Banchero at the start of plays. When Banchero set a screen, Pritchard would switch off, and Holiday would take over the defensive assignment.

Overall, the Celtics effectively contained Banchero, holding him to a 0.9 points-per-shot efficiency, 21 points, and just four assists.

#3 – Rest of the Magic couldn’t keep up

Once the Celtics slowed down Banchero, they focused on contesting the rest of Orlando’s roster, ensuring their defensive strategy wasn’t punished by open shots.

Fortunately for Boston, the Magic shot just 16% from three, allowing the Celtics to continue doubling Banchero and closing out hard on other players. The goal was to keep Kristaps Porziņģis in the driving lane, force Banchero to pass, rotate effectively, and contest shots.

The video above illustrates how consistent the Celtics were in maintaining their defensive strategy throughout entire possessions.

#4 – Kristaps Porziņģis aggressive early

After Boston’s loss in Toronto, Kristaps Porziņģis voiced his concerns about their performance. He backed up his words with an aggressive start, opening the game with an empty-side pick-and-roll finish at the rim.

Porziņģis used his size to exploit Orlando’s lack of physicality, establishing strong post-up positions. His ability to score in the post is vital to Boston’s offense, as it prevents him from being reduced to just a pick-and-pop threat. He demonstrated this in the first quarter.

Adding a three-pointer to his early production, Porziņģis tallied 11 points in just eight minutes of the first quarter—a strong response to the previous game’s disappointment.

#5 – Post-up gravity

As previously mentioned, Porziņģis’ offensive impact extends beyond three-point shooting. His ability to punish mismatches forces defenses to adjust and creates opportunities for his teammates. For instance, in this clip, the Magic defense shifts off-ball, allowing Jayson Tatum to find Al Horford for an easy bucket.

Porziņģis’ size is also a valuable asset when passing out of double teams. His height and reach allow him to deliver accurate passes to open teammates.

Given his gravity and passing ability, it’s worth considering whether Porziņģis should be utilized more as an offensive hub.

#6 – Jayson Tatum’s paint dominance in the second

In the second quarter, Jayson Tatum turned into an unstoppable force, attacking the paint against whoever Orlando put in his way. He drove, posted up, and played on both sides of the pick-and-roll.

His offensive repertoire was on full display, with precise footwork allowing him to navigate the paint and create layups.

What stood out most was his involvement in pick-and-rolls, both as a ball-handler and screener. Tatum is arguably the best player when it comes to being a dual threat in pick-and-roll situations.

When Tatum focuses on dominating the paint, he becomes nearly impossible to stop. His rim efficiency this season (72%) is a testament to that.

#7 – Jaylen Brown getting to the line

After Tatum’s dominant second quarter, Jaylen Brown took over in the third. He was relentless in attacking the paint, delivering one assist and scoring on a mid-range jumper while earning eight free-throw attempts.

Brown is averaging a career-high 5.6 free-throw attempts per game, but considering his usage and driving volume, there’s room for more. Last night, he capitalized on his aggression, scoring half of his points from the line—a promising response after the loss to Toronto.

#8 – Two halves, two stories

The Celtics’ shot profile shifted significantly between halves.

In the first half, they attempted 21 shots in the paint, converting 14. In the second half, that number dropped to 10, with more attempts coming from three and mid-range. Despite their aggressive start, the Celtics reverted to old habits in the second half.

#9 – Long mid-range shots are back?

One notable trend was the increased use of long mid-range shots by Tatum and Brown. The Celtics attempted 12% of their shots from this range—their highest since November.

Although three-point attempts have slightly decreased recently, Boston seems to be diversifying its offense with more drives and mid-range pull-ups.

#10 – Who will play against Atlanta tonight?

With both Porziņģis and Horford playing last night against Orlando, who will take the court tonight? Will Luke Kornet or Sam Hauser return to the starting lineup? Or will Porziņģis play in a back-to-back? Could this be an opportunity for the “stay-ready” group? More on that tomorrow.

Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t usually played both legs of a back to back, but said he believes there’s a chance he’ll play tomorrow.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 18, 2025