How Dubs can attack Celtics' stalwart defense
Much hype has been on the Boston Celtics' defense this postseason and rightly so.
They led the league in defensive rating in the regular season and have done so again in the playoffs. Before closing out the Miami Heat in seven games Sunday night, that defense stifled Kevin Durant in the first roundusing their size, multiple defenders and traps to hold him to 38.6 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.
They slowed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo just enough to defeat the reigning champion Bucks in the second round, then outlasted the tireless Jimmy Butler and the Heat.
The Warriors lead the league this postseason in offensive rating at 116.1. It's a testament to their versatility and multiple options to score. While the Celtics' defense is impressive and formidable, it is in some ways, seen before.
Stephen Curry has had everything including the kitchen sink defenses thrown at him, which is why the Warriors may not have as much trouble scoring against the Celtics as expected. Here are ways that the Warriors can effectively attack the Celtics' stifling defense.
PROFILE AND STICK TO THE SCRIPT >> The Celtics have the personnel to give the Warriors their biggest challenge defensively in the playoffs, but there's been a precedent.
The Warriors faced a Memphis Grizzlies team in the second round that also had long and athletic guards and wings that could disrupt. Plus, Memphis had an interior presence that deterred drives to the rim.
The difference between the two teams is the approach. While the Grizzlies sold out to disrupt with trapping, denials, fighting through screens, and running guards off the three, the Celtics are more physical, have the ability to cling to and stay in front of players, and rely on mostly their length. Also worth mentioning is their tendency to switch and play drop coverage.
The Celtics had success in containing Durant and Antetokounmpo because their style of defense is tailored to guard high-usage and heavy-isolation players.
Golden State's offense isn't iso heavy and is predicated on ball movement, spacing, screening and cuts and I don't think that they will divert too far from their offensive philosophy for a defense that allowed Brooklyn to post a 115 offensive rating against them despite containing Durant. The Nets were able to do this because of the off-ball movement of other players.
By sticking with their motion offense, the Warriors can challenge the Celtics' defense in terms of stamina and awareness and create mismatches.
PLAYING THE DROP AND ATTACKING SWITCHES >> Against the Heat, the Celtics played drop coverage at times. They were able to get away with it because of the Heat's inconsistent shooting. The probability of Boston defending in drop coverage against the Warriors isn't high. But if the Celtics are bold enough to play drop coverage, then the Warriors should and will capitalize.