Report
Boston's switching defence is forcing Denver into late-clock possessions
The Celtics are dropping the cover-two and trusting their wings. The early numbers say the bet is paying off.
Boston's defensive adjustment has been the story of the first half. The Celtics are not switching every screen. They are switching only the perimeter screens, with Horford dropping to the level of the screen and the wing recovering. Denver have responded by running the action higher up the floor, with Murray getting the ball earlier in the possession.
The result has been a slow, grinding first half that has suited Boston's pace. The Celtics have committed to switching on the perimeter and dropping the centre into the paint, with the second-chance points from the offensive glass doing the rest.
By the numbers
- Pace: 95.4 (Boston season average: 98.6)
- OffRtg: BOS 108.1 · DEN 102.4
- eFG%: BOS 51% · DEN 48%
- Second-chance points: BOS 14 · DEN 6
- Late-clock possessions (5+ seconds): BOS forced 11 · DEN 7
What to watch in Q3
- Whether Denver go to Jokić in the post more frequently. The Celtics have sent the double from the strong-side corner, but the post entries have been limited.
- Whether Boston extend their rotation, or keep the second unit short to maintain the defensive intensity.
- Whether the foul situation forces either coach into a longer-than-comfortable bench rotation.