Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a redemption victory vs Indiana

By Mark Nilon | Dec 29, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics key No. 3) Realize Indiana is more than just their stars

Generally speaking, the Indiana Pacers roll out a lineup with two All-Stars in shooting guard Victor Oladipo and power forward Domantas Sabonis.

Though both are off to great starts to the season — Oladipo averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds on 70 percent shooting from deep; Sabonis averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists –, it must not be forgotten that this team is far more than just their two stars.

This was on full display during the C’s outing against them on Sunday when the Pacers were without Oladipo.

It seemed as though, defensively, Boston’s attention was mainly focused on stopping Sabonis. While this seems like a reletively smart agenda, Indiana made the Celtics pay, as guys like Doug McDermott (16 points), T.J. Warren (17 points), and Malcolm Brogdon (25 points) all feasted on reletively easy looks at either a triple or uncontested shot attempts inside the arc.

This is not to say that all their points came on easy buckets, as is expected when you have the personnel the Boston Celtics have. That said, more consistent defensive intensity all around is needed in order to get the team back to .500 come the end of tonight.

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