Improved defensive effort stands out
cleVelAnd — the celtics vowed they would put together a stronger defensive effort than the lackluster one turned in for Game 2, and that’s exactly what happened saturday night.
the celtics prevailed, 106-93, over the cavaliers at rocket mortgage fieldhouse in Game 3 of the eastern conference semifinals.
coming off their worst defensive performance of the postseason in the Game 2 loss at home, the celtics took care of business and claimed the series lead.
Jrue Holiday said before saturday’s game that the Game 2 lapse had more to do with the celtics’ effort than their strategy.
“i think it was just a little bit of effort and concentration,” holiday said. “not concentrating on the things we had gone over in the game plan and not executing.”
holiday’s words rang true. the celtics approached the Game 3 matchup with more focus on the defensive end, particularly in holding cleveland to 48 points in the paint, down from 60 in Game 2.
the celtics adjusted quickly after giving up a franchise playoff record 23 3-pointers to the heat in Game 2 last series. miami was held under 90 points for the final three games of that series.
once again, the celtics roared back with a strong defensive outing after a rough Game 2.
Jaylen brown said the celtics can’t afford to think they’ll be able to just flip the switch again going forward. there needed to be a more consistent effort.
“they were upset and knew they had to play better,” coach Joe mazzulla said. “those guys are smart guys, they’ve been around a long time and they did a good job bouncing back.”
tatum finds stroke
Jayson tatum’s recent shooting struggles didn’t seem to affect his mood much at the morning shootaround. he smiled as he put up shots and chatted with assistant coaches. he even showed off a couple of dance moves while sitting on the scorer’s table.
tatum’s confidence helped him break out of a shooting slump. he posted 33 points on 11-for-25 shooting and made all nine of his free throw attempts.
“it just says he’s a really great player that gets taken advantage of because he’s been really good for a long time,” mazzulla said. “Underappreciated. i thought he played well on both ends of the floor.”
tatum came into the game shooting 39 percent (14 for 36) from the field this series, including 2 for 10 from 3point range.
“Just keep playing,” brown said. “i think over the course of the playoffs, over the course of all of that stuff, it’ll even itself out. but focus on the game. each game has a different story, and just stay locked in on that, and i think he will be fine.”
“Jayson is one of the best players in the world. so, it’s a part of that. teams draw coverages to make you get uncomfortable; just take it for what it is, and you make the right play.”
tatum’s shooting mostly hasn’t lived up to his lofty standards during this series, but he has consistently found other ways to impact the game. he entered Game 3 leading the celtics in rebounds (10) and assists (5.4) per game. he led boston in both categories again saturday night.
the celtics had more fast-break points (12), second-chance points (12), and points in the paint (50) than cleveland, which helped open things up for tatum.
“i think getting out in transition and getting some stops, i think that helps,” brown said. “last game, we didn’t really get enough stops, and we got outrebounded. so, i think that helps.
“if we get some stops, get out in transition, but also other ways that we can get ourselves going is crash and getting offensive rebounds, the little plays, getting steals, staying involved on defense, making plays at the rim. those are ways to get yourself going rather than relying on others.” bittersweet feelings
holiday said he had mixed feelings about charles lee’s upcoming departure.
lee, the top assistant on the celtics’ coaching staff, was named coach of the hornets on thursday.
“i was really happy. sad to see him go, but extremely happy,” holiday said. “he deserves it. i’ve been with him for a minute now, so to see him as a head coach and to beat him every time that we play him is going to be great.”
lee and holiday spent three seasons together and won a title in milwaukee before reuniting in boston this season.
“Just hugged him, told him i loved him, and how happy i was for him because obviously we’ve been through a lot together,” holiday said. “so, to see even before when there was kind of a chance for him to be a head coach and him not get it but to see it now i think the timing might be right.
“You’re just happy for your guys, you know.”