The Boston Celtics suffered a historic loss to the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, losing by a final score of 91-82. The C’s, desperately in need of a win, failed to do so, unable to garner any type of consistent offensive effort.
Boston had 20 more attempts than their opponent, but only managed to shoot 34.7% from the field and an astounding 9.5% from downtown.
They made only four of their 42 attempts from long range, the second-worst shooting performance by a team with more than 40 attempts in the league’s history.
Obviously, the Celtics won’t shoot this poor every night, but this game was a microcosm for the entire season, as they keep finding more ways to lose.
Wednesday, they were able to grab 21 offensive rebounds, but were unable to capitalize, failing to score more than 23 points in any quarter.
What happened to the Boston Celtics?
Sure, you can make the argument that they were a .500 level team last year, so it’s not surprising to see them struggle again this season, but this is a new low. Each and every night the C’s are finding new ways to disappoint their passionate fanbase.
Now, they’re 16-19 on the season, with an uphill battle to make their way into the playoffs. At this rate, it’s not looking good.
Either way, let’s look at 2 takeaways from this monstrosity of a game.
Boston Celtics takeaway No. 1) Historically bad shooting
It’s obvious that the Boston Celtics had a horrendous shooting performance, but what’s interesting is the way they got there.
After a difficult start to the game, only hitting two of their 18 shots from long range in the first half, Boston decided to fire up another 24 attempts in the second half, once again only sinking two.
Interestingly enough, they saw success driving to the basket and simply overpowering the Clippers, attacking the glass and finishing through contact. The success of the C’s offense was seen through straight physicality, rather than launching shots from distance.
Despite this, Boston went back to their shooting ways in crunch time, shooting 1-of-18 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter. Productive shooters continuing to jack up shots despite poor results is one thing, but at some point you have to switch the offense up.
Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, Romeo Langford, and Josh Richardson combined to go an astounding 0-of-20 from deep, while Jaylen Brown only made one of his 13 attempts.
Ultimately, the Boston Celtics are a team that loves to shoot but finds little to no success. The blame for this falls on both the personnel in terms of roster construction, as well as Ime Udoka’s rotations.
Both Robert Williams and Al Horford should play center as their main position, with the idea of both of them playing at the same time only being used sparingly.
Horford hasn’t proved himself as a good enough floor spacer this year, only shooting at a 31% clip coming into this contest, to warrant a start at power forward.
Additionally, Romeo Langford was in the starting lineup tonight alongside the double-big lineup, making the offensive spacing even tighter.
These types of lineups are fine to build a defensive identity, but have little to no consistent offensive productivity, barring a breakout game from Jaylen Brown.
Both Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka have to realize the offense’s main problem and fix it by changing up rotations and either trade deadline or offseason acquisitions.
Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Jaylen Brown’s struggles
With Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart both out, Jaylen Brown has defaulted to the number one option on offense. However, for two straight games, he hasn’t been able to live up to this billing, having an extremely efficient night on Wednesday.
Although he finished with 30 points on the night, he shot 13-of-36(!) shots from the field with no assists in 40 minutes of play. He had some impressive finishes through contact around the rim but struggled in every other offensive aspect.
The 36 shots compared with zero assists is certainly eye-catching, but is likely exaggerated. If Boston were to have an anywhere near average shooting night, Brown would have likely racked up at least a few dimes.
However, his overall passing and playmaking have looked suspect without Tatum available, as he’s now been operating with the ball in his hands more. He’s acted as the backup point guard on occasions, bringing the ball up and running the offense.
Many of the aspects of his game have reverted back to younger Jaylen Brown, as he’s attempting to force his way by guys in an isolated manner.
He’s often dribbling with his head down, not looking for outlet passers. When he realizes what he’s doing, he tries to make up for it, but usually misses the window for the open shooter.
Brown has improved his passing throughout his NBA career, but it’s troubling to see it regress when he’s been the number one option.
It is only a two-game sample size, but if the Boston Celtics are going to want to win any games during this stretch, he’s got to be better.