A fluid rotation helped the Boston Celtics function exactly how they wanted to in game two
The Boston Celtics had their most impressive victory of the season in game two against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was one of their most complete efforts on both ends, and not even a special performance from the best players on the Bucks could make this game close.
Everything functioned exactly how the Celtics want, and they did that with a rotation that was quite different than game one. Brad Stevens has always been remarkably adaptable, and has always used a fluid rotation.
Shane Larkin, Greg Monroe, Guerschon Yabusele and Aron Baynes all played significantly more minutes in game two, and Stevens did not need to use the top of his rotation nearly as much. The Celtics struggled to keep their traditional size on the floor in game one, but everyone was effective in game two.
Stevens’ ability to get something out of whoever is on the court is saving the Celtics right now, because every player is ready to come in and play a role that Stevens has integrated for them. The players may not be able to predict the kind of minutes they will get, but everyone knows what they they need to do on the court, and Stevens is making sure that everything is coming together at all times.
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Monroe and Larkin combined for 23 points in 38 minutes played, and Baynes made it as difficult as possible for the Bucks to score on the inside. Yabusele was able to give positive minutes, even if he did not get on the score board, and did not feel like a liability.
Stevens is finding a lot of different ways to exploit this Bucks team, and he continues to show the ability to adapt to whatever is going to work best on a given night.
Chances are some of those mutes will be lost to Jayson Tatum, who saw a dip with his effectiveness on offense. The fact that the game was a blowout may distort the numbers a bit, but all these players were continually featured throughout the game.
There was one minute of true garbage time, and that was when Semi Ojeleye and Abdel Nader got on the court.
Everyone is able to see how much talent the Bucks have, but Stevens has found a way to win, even when he does not have the best player on the court. Brown is doing a great job of bringing that kind of star power, but it still has to be a collective effort against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Stevens will never be suborn and force something that is not going to work. Chances are the traditional size could struggle to stay on the court in the future, because of how versatile the Bucks are. The problem is that the Bucks do not know how to force the Celtics to play in a way that they are not comfortable with.
Stevens is going to find a combination to counter anything the Bucks will try and throw at them, and that combination is going to be built in a way that will make the Bucks uncomfortable.
The most amazing part is that all these young and secondary pieces are taking advantage of all these opportunities. Stevens helps put them in a strong position, and makes sure everyone is working together to help everyone around them.
Next: Boston Celtics with most complete victory of season in game two
The players still have to execute, and we are seeing more players contribute in more positive ways on a regular basis. It will be difficult for the Celtics to sustain the way they played in game two, but we really saw the kind of potential that seemed out of reach before, and Stevens is taking advantage of all the talent people are now witnessing.