The Boston Celtics managed to pull off a nail-biting 107-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it was a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were the stars of the show, with Derrick White also delivering a standout performance. Let’s break down the key moments and insights from this thrilling matchup.
Three-Point Shooting: The Celtics’ Double-Edged Sword
The Celtics’ reliance on three-point shooting was evident once again. They attempted a whopping 56 shots from beyond the arc, sinking 21 of them. Brown was on fire, hitting his first five three-point attempts and racking up 15 points in the first quarter alone. This hot start forced coach Joe Mazzulla to adjust his substitution pattern, keeping Brown in the game to maintain the momentum.
However, the fourth quarter told a different story. The Timberwolves closed the gap by hitting six three-pointers, while the Celtics managed only three. This shift in momentum highlighted the need for the Celtics to find a better balance between their perimeter game and inside scoring. While the three-point shot is a powerful weapon, it’s crucial to mix in some post play and drives to the basket to keep defenses honest.
Derrick White: The Unsung Hero
Derrick White’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His defensive awareness and hustle were pivotal in securing the win. One of the game’s defining moments came when White made a crucial block in the corner, showcasing his ability to read the play and react swiftly. His efforts didn’t stop there; White’s hustle on a loose ball led to a key possession that ended with Brown hitting a dagger three-pointer.
White’s impact on both ends of the floor is invaluable. Whether it’s making the right pass, hitting a timely shot, or playing lockdown defense, White consistently delivers when it matters most.
The Need for Consistency
While the Celtics won, the game exposed some areas that need improvement. The team’s tendency to lose focus in the fourth quarter is concerning. Allowing the Timberwolves to outscore them 32-23 in the final period nearly cost them the game. It’s essential for the Celtics to maintain their intensity and execution throughout all four quarters, especially when holding a lead.
Looking ahead, the Celtics face a challenging schedule, and they’ll need to address these issues to continue their winning ways. The return of Kristaps Porzingis could provide a boost, potentially strengthening the bench and adding another dimension to their game.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ performance, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- Joe Mazzulla’s strategic adjustments
- The Celtics’ bench performance and potential improvements
- Upcoming challenges in the Celtics’ schedule
Postgame Quotes Of Note:
“We can change things. Because of him, we’re constantly changing matchups, coverages, situations, and so because of his ability to see it and communicate it, I think that’s one of the great relationships that I have with him, but also with the team is we see the game kind of similar, and we’re able to communicate things differently, which you kind of have to do throughout different points of the game.” — Joe Mazzulla on Derrick White
“I feel like I haven’t shot the ball to start off the season as well as I would have liked. I feel like I’m due for a lot of makes. I feel like my shots was good. I feel like I’m a great shooter, but also feel like I’m great at other things as well: getting to the basket, getting to the paint, drawing opportunities for my guys. So it’s just a balance. It’s a long season and I’m just focused on trying to rack up wins. That’s all it comes down to is just whatever it takes to help my team win. Shooting the ball, not shooting the ball, passing, rebounding, whatever, defense, guarding the best player night in, night out. Whatever you need me to do.” — Jaylen Brown on his hot start
I think earlier in my career, it would have bothered me a lot more. But you just understand there’s so much more basketball to be played, so many games, that, you know, in those moments, you feel like you’re the only person missing shots. Every great player, every great shooter has went through slumps where they weren’t shooting great or, or had nights where they couldn’t hit shots. They always bounce back or respond and I think just having moments like that throughout my career, or tougher shooting nights, have become easier to deal with or live with as I’ve gotten older. — Jayson Tatum on bouncing back after an 0-10 3-point shooting night in Washington
