Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from rock-fight against Pacers

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Late game ball-handler

After coming under criticism in recent weeks, Ime Udoka has seemingly made a major change to the rotation by not playing Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder together.

Both of them operate at their best with the ball in their hands and have not proven themselves as off-ball shooters.

With Smart out, Schroder would seemingly get most, if not all of his point guard minutes. However, that was not the case Monday, as the Celtics elected to close with Richardson over Schroder to get more size on the court.

At the end of games, the offense has either run through Tatum or Brown, as the Celtics look to get their best players looks at the basket. This relegates the role of Schroder greatly in these situations, for if either Jay draws help on a drive, kicking the ball out for a spot-up three from the veteran would be a poor decision.

If the Celtics have better options to handle the rock, and the former Laker hasn’t shown the ability to play off-the-ball effectively, then what role does he have in the closing lineup?

Coach Udoka has finally made that adjustment, prioritizing shooters such as Richardson and Grant Williams over additional shot creators.

It will be interesting to see if any adjustments come to Marcus Smart’s role in the late-game offense when he’s available. The offense has excelled when he’s assumed the role of main point guard but has sputtered when he’s been asked to be a spot-up shooter in offensive sets.