Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from comeback win over Pels

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 3) A spacious offense

Grant Williams and Al Horford started as the big-man tandem for the Boston Celtics in the absence of Robert Williams, but both only played 25 minutes apiece.

During the C’s fourth-quarter run, coach Udoka deployed only one traditional big man surrounded by four perimeter players, rather than a double big lineup.

The lineup of Tatum, Brown, Schroder, Aaron Nesmith, and Enes Freedom played the majority of the final period. With Schroder and three wings, the offense was moving at a much faster pace than any other unit, getting downhill off of simple pick-and-roll actions early in the shot clock.

In only 19 minutes, Nesmith was a +16 despite missing both of his 3-point attempts. He provides a high motor and lots of activity despite his shooting woes, something that this slow Celtics team could use in many of their offensive units.

When you’re one of the slowest teams in the league in terms of pace, the offensive looks are going to get progressively worse, as you have less time to execute. With lineups like these, the Boston Celtics have the ability to run up and down the floor more, utilizing their young legs and effective finishers such as Tatum, Brown, and Schroder.

It makes sense to employ lineups with a traditional wing at the four, rather than defaulting to a double big look. The Celtics’ offense is simply much more effective when it moves quicker and has space to operate.