Can the Celtics bounce back in Philly?
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The WEEI Afternoons podcast dissects the Boston Celtics' recent struggles, particularly their poor shooting and lack of in-game adjustments during a critical loss to the 76ers. Hosts Christian Arcand and Ted Johnson express concern over Joe Mazzulla's coaching decisions, especially his reliance on Jason Tatum to carry the offense late in games despite a lack of shot efficiency. They argue that the team should trust Jalen Brown more in crunch time and shift to a more dynamic, ball-moving offense rather than stagnant iso plays. The discussion highlights the Celtics' failure to adapt defensively against Philly’s drop coverage and their inability to adjust when three-point shooting goes cold. The absence of Joel Embiid is noted as a factor, but the team’s offensive stagnation and defensive lapses remain central concerns. The hosts also reflect on past playoff success and question whether Mazzulla’s strengths in the regular season translate to playoff pressure. The episode ends with a call for the Celtics to make tactical changes to avoid repeating past mistakes.
The Celtics must stop relying on Jason Tatum for end-of-game isolation plays when shooting is cold.
Joe Mazzulla's lack of in-game adjustments, especially when the three-point shot isn't falling, is a major coaching weakness.
Jalen Brown should be given more responsibility in clutch moments to maximize the team’s offensive potential.
Defensive adjustments, particularly against Maxey and Embiid, are critical to winning in Philadelphia.
The team needs to attack the rim more when three-point shooting is off, rather than persisting with a failed strategy.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Celtics' Struggles and Playoff Pressure
The hosts open with concern over the Celtics' recent performance, questioning their ability to bounce back after a poor shooting game against the 76ers. They debate whether the loss was a fluke or a sign of deeper issues.
The Problem with Tatum's Late-Game Isolation
“Stop doing that. Let Jalen Brown take the game over at the end like he was all season long. It looks so much better if they let him do it.”
Mazzulla's Coaching Blind Spots
“He doesn't make adjustments in-game, Christian. I know he can coach a lot of regular season wins. I got it. But there's specific red flags in his coaching.”
Defensive Lapses and Drop Coverage
The discussion turns to the Celtics’ defensive breakdowns, especially against Philly’s drop coverage and Maxey’s scoring, with hosts emphasizing the need for better defensive schemes.
The Role of Jalen Brown and Offensive Identity
“When the ball is moving and the ball is popping and guys are moving, setting screens, doing two-man games. It just looks so much better.”
“Stop doing that. Let Jalen Brown take the game over at the end like he was all season long. It looks so much better if they let him do it.”
“He doesn't make adjustments in-game, Christian. I know he can coach a lot of regular season wins. I got it. But there's specific red flags in his coaching.”
“When the ball is moving and the ball is popping and guys are moving, setting screens, doing two-man games. It just looks so much better.”
Hosts
Guests
Boston Celtics
other
Jason Tatum
person
Jalen Brown
person
Joe Mazzulla
person
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Joel Embiid
person
Maxey
person
Derek White
person
Gildas Alexander
person
C.J. McCollum
person
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