3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics’ sweep of the Brooklyn Nets
NBA.com
Jayson Tatum scored 29 points before fouling out and Marcus Smart had 20 points and 11 assists as the Boston Celtics advanced to the Conference Semifinals by defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 4-0. The Celtics will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 2 of the playoffs. Here are some takeaways:
1. Grant Williams has made a huge leap
When Grant Williams first joined the Celtics out of Tennessee, most of us remember the start of his career. He missed his first 25 attempts from the three-point line before hitting one against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Oh, but how far he has come! Last night in the series-clinching win over the Nets. Williams made 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and is now one of the best shooters in the NBA from the corner.
During the regular season, he made 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts and has provided the Celtics with another long-distance shooter off the bench that can space the floor for Brown and Tatum to operate in space. They are able to kick to Williams for an open three, and more times than not, Grant has not disappointed. Keep up the great work, GW12!
2. Coach Udoka continues to push the right buttons
Whether it is getting Payton Pritchard some court time or trusting Marcus Smart to be the floor general, Ime Udoka has been making the right decisions at the right time for this Boston Celtics team, and it is paying dividends in a big way. Tatum and Brown have become better playmakers for their teammates, the bigs (Horford, Williams, Theis, and G Williams) are a very solid unit, and the defense as a whole has become the best in the NBA.
The energy and effort displayed against Brooklyn were a result of the new head coach and his staff and the priority put on the defensive end of the floor. Coach Udoka also has the offense of this team clicking on all cylinders at the best time of the year. There was a time when most people thought that this team, with Tatum playing at an All-NBA level, would not have enough offense to challenge the elite teams in the league. Better ball and player movement have vaulted this offense into the top ten since January 1, and that, along with the number one defensive unit in the league, sent the Nets home in four games. It is a travesty that Udoka did not win Coach of the Year.
3. 4 down, 12 to go
Is it wrong to think of this team as a legitimate title contender and dream of what could be? Right now, it is not that far-fetched at all. The Boston Celtics have everyone on notice that they will not be an easy out for the remaining teams in the Eastern Conference. When you can pack all that defense in a suitcase and take it on a plane to any other arena, you can win games on the road, and that plays a big part in becoming NBA champions.
After a tough first-round series against the Nets (don’t be fooled by the sweep; the four wins were decided by 18 total points), teams will play harder and the rounds will get even harder as the stakes rise. As long as the Celtics show up defensively, the dream of a title is not out of reach.
Game 1 against the Bucks will be on Sunday at TD Garden at 1:00 p.m. EST.
