After missing an NBA-record 45 3-pointers in Game One, the Boston Celtics have changed their offensive approach in Game Two against the New York Knicks.
The Celtics have been one of the best shooting teams in NBA history this season and have been extremely reliant on their ability to hit shots from deep at times. Their reliance on jumpers led to a 20-point collapse in Game One on Monday.
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about his team's shot selection and defended his team's decision-making. "For the most part, obviously, over the course of a game, you always can find five to ten shots that you want to be better at," he said. "For the most part, we fought for good looks throughout the game."
The Celtics took an NBA-record 48.2 3-pointers per game this season and they are still taking these shots in Game Two. However, they have shifted their strategy to attack the rim far more.
This adjustment, mixed with their unrelenting defense has helped the Celtics forge a 24-13 point lead to end the first quarter despite not hitting their 3-point shots. Setting the record for the lowest-scoring playoff quarter in Knicks history.
Fans have reacted to the early approach.
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X user Eamon Cassels posted, "Great start for the Celtics they’ve been aggressive and attacking the rim awesome."
X user Jonathan said, "They missed a few threes early, but this is the type of offense I expected out of the Celtics tonight. Aggressive and forcing their way to the rim. Threes will fall eventually."
And The Saurus posted on X, "Love this Celtics approach already. Bully these dorks in the paint. They can’t guard you. Punk them and get easy looks. It’ll create even more open 3s as they collapse on whoever is driving."
The Celtics new strategy is working, and the fans are loving it.
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