10 takeaways from the Celtics’ test against the Nets’ pressure

#1 – Ball movement

The Boston Celtics are the second team with the highest isolation volume per game, with one every ten possessions. However, the two players who usually handle most of the isolations were sitting last night, which led to more ball movement from the Celtics: 24 of the 35 field goals made were assisted.

The reason the ball moved so much is also that, without the Jays, the Celtics lacked their usual ability to break the defensive shell. Because of that, both the ball and the players had to move. Against a very aggressive Nets defense, the Celtics needed to be careful with their ball movement, as the Nets were constantly looking for transition opportunities.

Since Joe Mazzulla had to adjust without his two primary ball handlers, it was harder to take care of the ball as they usually do. More ball movement increases the risk of turnovers, but the Celtics didn’t have enough firepower to score without passing. To compensate for the lack of playmaking, they also played at a faster pace to find early breakdowns in the Nets’ defensive structure.

Yet, they also had another offensive weapon if the game slowed down: Kristaps Porzingis.

#2 – Finding Porzingis

The first possession of a game often offers insight into the coaching staff’s game plan. The same goes for the few possessions that follow a timeout. Last night against the Nets, it was clear the goal was to find Porzingis against the set defense. What’s interesting is how they did it, knowing the Nets were expecting it.

On the very first play, Sam Hauser set a ram screen for Al Horford to create separation from his defender. Then, Hauser set another screen behind Porzingis’ defender to force a switch and get him deep post-up positioning. But why use Horford at the top? Because that forced Nic Claxton to step out, stretching him away from the rim, giving Porzingis more space and time to operate in the paint. If Horford had stayed low or in the corner, Claxton could have helped and disrupted Porzingis’ post-up.

Creating great post-up opportunities for Porzingis is more complicated than it looks. Teams nowadays are willing to leave average three-point shooters open to protect the rim, and finding a deep position in the paint is difficult. Nonetheless, the Celtics were well-prepared to get Porzingis going—he scored the first seven points and finished with a team-high 25.

#3 – Al Horford on the move

In the first quarter, the Celtics repeatedly ran the same play to get Horford moving and create space around him, maximizing his scoring and passing abilities. He started at the slot, using a Luke Kornet down screen to gain separation from his defender. As he ran toward the ball, he set a ball screen for Derrick White and rolled to establish deep position in the paint.

Horford’s movement attracted help from the strong side, leaving Baylor Scheierman open for three.

When the Nets adjusted, the Celtics couldn’t find Horford in the paint as easily, but they turned this play into an empty-side action for Payton Pritchard and Kornet. As Pritchard rejected the screen and drove, Horford relocated beyond the arc and swung it to White, who buried another three.

Great play-calling from the coaching staff, who were particularly focused on offensive execution with the usual leaders out.

#4 – Nets pick-and-roll defense

The Nets’ pick-and-roll defense was extremely aggressive on the ball handler, leading to several turnovers. They used a hedge coverage, with two defenders stepping up to pressure the ball handler, forcing him to pass or retreat. Meanwhile, the three off-ball defenders rotated to cut off the most dangerous passing options, either to the rim or the corners, to generate turnovers.

However, no defense is perfect, and the Nets occasionally lost their assignments. In the play below, two defenders trapped Jrue Holiday while Kornet cut into open space. This cut created defensive confusion, as two Nets defenders also focused on Kornet, leaving Pritchard open for three. Great recognition and execution by Holiday.

Another way to attack this coverage was using Porzingis in the pick-and-pop. With two defenders collapsing on the ball handler, Porzingis was left open beyond the arc, and the help from the corner was too far to recover.

Thanks to Holiday’s passing and great court awareness, the Celtics found ways to navigate the Nets’ aggressive pick-and-roll defense.

#5 – Baylor Scheierman’s added value

Late in the season, with the second seed nearly secured, the Celtics have the flexibility to experiment. As a result, the coaching staff has placed more trust in Baylor Scheierman lately, and he has not disappointed.

His shooting will make headlines—and deservedly so—but his hustle and positioning on both ends of the floor are equally encouraging. With several NCAA seasons under his belt, it’s clear why the Celtics drafted him and expect him to contribute immediately.

While he might not see playoff minutes this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Scheierman earns a rotation role next year.

#6 – Trading pull-ups for catch-and-shoots

The Celtics usually base much of their offense on pull-up threes, but with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown out, they adjusted. Instead, they used the Nets’ defensive aggression against them, generating more catch-and-shoot threes.

According to NBA.com, Boston made only four pull-up threes compared to 12 catch-and-shoot threes last night. A different balance was found to counter the Nets’ physical defense.

#7 – Boston’s small-ball adjustment

The Celtics’ offense struggled at times due to spacing issues, prompting the coaching staff to counter with a small-ball lineup. With Holiday, Pritchard, Scheierman, Hauser, and Torey Craig, they opted for a five-out approach to stretch the floor and attack the rim.

Since the double-big lineup wasn’t generating offensive rebounds as usual, Kornet and Neemias Queta saw limited minutes. Instead, the Celtics focused on spacing out the well-prepared Nets defense. Even without Brown and Tatum’s driving ability, they still managed a 75% efficiency at the rim—showing great adaptability.

#8 – The Porzingis problem for the Nets

To start the game, Porzingis was positioned near the rim as a defensive anchor. In response, the Nets repeatedly tried to pull him into actions, while the Celtics aimed to keep him low. A great example of this battle occurred late in the second quarter when Claxton, Porzingis’ matchup, sprinted to set a ball screen. Instead of switching, Pritchard and Porzingis swapped off-ball, keeping the big man near the rim; leading to an open corner three.

Even though it resulted in an open shot, it was preferable to allowing a layup. The Nets also tried involving Porzingis in screening actions to neutralize his rim protection.

However, Porzingis still found ways to impact the defensive end. The coaching staff adjusted his coverage throughout the game, shifting between safety, drop coverage, and occasional on-ball switches.

When Porzingis was on the floor, the Nets posted just a 93 offensive rating, highlighting his defensive impact.

#9 – The passing game from Boston’s bigs

Horford and Porzingis combined for nine assists, using their scoring gravity to create open looks for teammates.

Porzingis’ passing could be a game-changer if he continues developing it. So far, he has mostly played as a finisher rather than a creator. While it may be a big ask, there’s potential for him to grow as an offensive hub, using his size and post-up threat to break defenses.

#10 – All-female broadcast

Shoutout to Abby Chin, Diamond DeShields, Jackie MacMullan, Kayla Burton, Jennifer Rizzotti, Ashley Battle and CelticsBlog writer Noa Dalzell for an insightful and energetic broadcast last night. It’s great to see more recognition for some of the brightest minds in the game, bringing fresh perspectives and deep basketball knowledge.