The Boston Celtics have been facing early struggles with their 3-point shooting this season. Despite a winning record, several key players are shooting below their career averages. This development raises questions about their offensive dynamics.
Celtics’ 3-Point Shooting Performance
This season, the Celtics have a few standout 3-point shooters based on shooting percentage. Here are the leading players with a minimum of ten attempts:
- Baylor Scheierman – 52.9%
- Hugo Gonzalez – 50.0%
- Jordan Walsh – 41.2%
- Anfernee Simons – 40.4%
- Josh Minott – 38.1%
- Luka Garza – 38.1%
Most of these shooters are low-volume players, which adds to the intrigue of their early performances. Notably, Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Derrick White are struggling, with percentages at:
- Jaylen Brown – 34.9%
- Payton Pritchard – 33.1%
- Sam Hauser – 33.3%
- Derrick White – 30.5%
Impact of Jayson Tatum’s Absence
The absence of Jayson Tatum might be contributing to these low shooting percentages. Tatum typically attracts significant defensive attention, which opens up opportunities for his teammates. Despite these struggles, recent performances indicate potential improvement.
Player Developments and Adjustments
Pritchard has recently begun to find his rhythm, hitting 18 of 35 from beyond the arc over the last three games. He acknowledges the mental aspect of shooting, stressing the importance of simplicity in his approach. “Sometimes great shooters start to overcomplicate,” he stated after a win against the Nets.
Hauser, primarily viewed as a 3-point specialist, also faced challenges despite his track record. In a recent game, he contributed significantly during the fourth quarter, showcasing his versatility through rebounds, assists, and defense, despite only making one shot.
Coach Joe Mazzulla’s Strategy
Coach Joe Mazzulla remains focused on adapting the team’s lineup and rotations. He has utilized various starting groups, indicating an intention to avoid predictability. Over the first four games, three different starting lineups were deployed, before settling into a more consistent roster.
With adjustments being a constant, the team is not underestimating the importance of preparation. Mazzulla’s strategy reflects a broader goal of finding the right chemistry and ensuring that all players are ready for any role.
Assessing Team Pairings
In examining the team’s performance, notable two-man pairings show promise. Seventeen pairings have played at least 150 minutes this season, with Neemias Queta emerging as a key contributor. His net ratings when paired with various players are impressive:
- With Payton Pritchard: +22.4
- With Derrick White: +17.6
- With Jaylen Brown: +15.5
- With Josh Minott: +14.1
These ratings highlight the effectiveness of Queta’s presence on the court, as other pairings have not reached such high positive values.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics’ early season 3-point shooting challenges are evident, yet there are signs of potential improvement. As the team navigates player absences and lineup changes, close attention to shooting consistency will be crucial for upcoming games.
