Celtics’ Opening Night: A Masterclass in Offensive, Defensive Execution

A closer look shows just how well Boston played

NBA: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics

Oct 22, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

David Butler II/David Butler II-Imagn Images

Table of Contents

Offensive Brilliance Against the Knicks

Hey, Celtics fans! What a way to kick off the season, right? The Celtics came out swinging against the Knicks, and it was a thing of beauty. We all know the Knicks love to pack the paint, thanks to Thibodeau’s defense-first mindset. But our guys? They just leaned into it, launching a whopping 61 three-pointers. And it wasn’t just about chucking up shots; it was about smart, calculated execution. The Knicks wanted to protect the paint? Fine, we just drew them in and kicked it out to our open shooters. Simple as that.

And let’s talk about those shooting stats—50% from the field and nearly 48% from three. I mean, come on! If you’re hitting them at that rate, why stop? The Celtics showed they know how to read a defense and make the right play, and it was a joy to watch.

Defensive Strategy and Rebounding Edge

Now, flipping to the defensive side, the Celtics were just as impressive. They didn’t panic or double-team unnecessarily. Instead, they stuck to their game plan, which made rebounding a team effort. Everyone chipped in, from Tatum to Hauser, and it made a huge difference. Controlling the boards let us push the pace and keep the Knicks on their heels.

The real magic, though, was in how the Celtics switched on defense. They kept it simple and effective, making sure no one was left out to dry. This team can switch anyone onto anyone, and it just works. It’s like having a cheat code on defense, and it showed. The Knicks had no answer, and it was clear the Celtics have their act together.

For more on how the Celtics are setting the tone this season, make sure to catch the latest episode of the Locked On Celtics podcast. We’ve got all the breakdowns and insights you need.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:

- How the Celtics’ defense kept the Knicks in check

- The Knicks’ struggles and how Boston took advantage

- The team’s rebounding strategy and why it worked so well

- A closer look at the Celtics’ game plan and execution on both ends

MORE FROM LOCKED ON NBA
The Knicks are already elite on offense, but can they get even better?
Through four games, the Knicks’ offense is already one of the best in the league, but could it be even better?
5 Things We’ve Learned in the First 5 Games
Hint: They’re shooting the ball really well.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are shuffling their roster with recent injuries and breaking down the rotations.
What the Warriors’ center’s comments reveal about our perception of age