What if the Boston Celtics Can't Run in the Playoffs?

Much of the Celtics’ offense relies on fast break opportunities, but what happens if they can’t run as much in the playoffs?

The Boston Celtics own of the best offensive attacks in the NBA this season. Their fast-paced offensive attack has been a staple for their team. It was on display most recently during their late comeback victory over the New York Knicks.

Boston currently ranks fourth in the NBA averaging 106.1 points per game, and is sixth in fast-break points per game, averaging 15.8 per game. A big reason for the success of this run-and-gun style is because they run as often as they can; off of rebounds, turnovers, or when the defense is being lazy. The Celtics are a top-ten rebounding team and force the must turnovers per game in the NBA; that allows Boston to get out in transition more often and push the pace.

A problem could arise come playoff time for the Celtics though. During last year’s playoffs, only seven of the 16 teams averaged 100-plus points in the playoffs. That’s way down from the 11 playoff teams that averaged more than 100 points per game in the regular season. The cause of the decrease in scoring is due to the slower pace of the game, and defenses forcing more half-court play from opponent’s offenses.

A more half-court style of play could be the Achilles heel for the Celtics this season. They don’t rely heavily on transition baskets for nothing, they do because they have to. Boston simply isn’t as effective when forced to slow their offense down and play multiple five-on-five possessions at a time.

Their size is a major obstacle when forced to play this way. Boston is by far the shortest playoff team this season, and rely on their 5’9″ point guard to lead them. Isaiah Thomas has proven to be one of the best point guards in the game this season, and it’s still amazing how he can finish at the rim, but it’s a lot harder to score in the lane against a set defense. It helps that Boston likes to spread the floor, but it’s still going to be difficult for Thomas finishing in the lane.

They also don’t have a real down-low threat because even Kelly Olynyk, who is seven-feet tall, likes to hang around the three-point line. The Celtics rely on Jared Sullinger, who doesn’t have an act of sticking to the block on offense, and Tyler Zeller, who might not see a lot of action in the playoffs, as their only true big men.

More from Hardwood Houdini

Besides the fact their height is an issue in a half-court style of offense, the Celtics rely on getting up as many shots as they can, not on great shooting. As a team, the Celtics shoot 44.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc, both in the bottom half of the league. Yet, the Celtics still own one of the highest scoring offenses, despite being one of the poorest shooting teams. The reason is because they attempt a league-high 89.7 shots per game. Their dedication to running right as they get the ball allows them to speed up the game and maximize their shots. The concern is in the playoffs, teams don’t get as many shot attempts.

This concern was on display during last year’s playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics led the league in shot attempts per game last season as well, averaging 87.9 shots per game, but during their four playoff games, they only got up 82.7 shots per contest. It could be because Boston was clearly outmatched to the superior Cavaliers team, however, the Golden State Warriors, who averaged 87 shot attempts per game (third in the NBA), only were able to get up 84.2 shots every game during their championship run.

If a fast-paced offensive attack like the Warriors had can be slowed down, then any team’s attack can.

The playoffs are a different style of game than the regular season. Teams value possessions more, because every possession matters despite in the regular season when a possession in the middle of the 57th game might not have that big of an impact in the grand scheme of things.

During last year’s playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets were the top two teams in scoring per game. They also gave up the two most points per game as well. Dallas lost in the first round, but the Rockets made it to the Western Conference Finals, showing it’s possible to win in the playoffs playing faster.

What if the Boston Celtics Can’t Run in the Playoffs?

By Jeremy Karll | Mar 7, 2016

Much of the Celtics’ offense relies on fast break opportunities, but what happens if they can’t run as much in the playoffs?

More from Hardwood Houdini