Boston Celtics: 3 keys to a win over the Brooklyn Nets in Game One

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2)  Dominate the paint

Overall, the Brooklyn Nets are an average defensive team. They struggle to hold opponents below their season scoring average and oftentimes find themselves in a shootout.

Entering Sunday’s battle, the borough boys find themselves listed as mid-tier when it comes to many defensive categories. Opponents average 47.4 points per game in the paint when playing the Nets.

Even without Robert Williams III, Boston has plenty of options that can run the rim.

Brooklyn likes to play small ball at times depending on the opposition’s lineup.

Andre Drummond received the start at the five in their previous game but played just 18 minutes. It was Nicolas Claxton who rose to the occasion, logging 28 minutes as a reserve.

In his extended time on the floor, the 6-11 big posted 13 points and nine rebounds. The downside, however, is that Claxton finished as a -2 in a game in which his team won by seven.

Even without Time Lord, Al Horford and Daniel Theis match up very well with Drummond and Claxton defensively.

Unfortunately, no one really matches up well with KD, not just on the shamrocks, but in the entire league.

Boston should attack the rim early on offense while welcoming Brooklyn’s bigs to the paint on defense.