Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from C’s Game 2 win over Milwaukee

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 3) A stagnant second-half offense

After a 65-point first-half performance, Boston only scored 44 in the final two quarters. The Bucks chipped away at the lead with about five minutes to play, but Jayson Tatum hit some clutch shots down the stretch to seal the deal.

Instead of trying to end the night early and get everyone some extra rest, the Celtics fell into the trap of holding onto the lead rather than expanding it. Their defensive intensity and effort remained the same, but their shot selection and ball movement disipated, leading to multiple one-pass possessions.

The Boston Celtics displayed how much they’ve evolved on the offensive side of the ball at the end of the second quarter, willing to pass up a few good looks for a great one.

While it’s encouraging to see that type of performance, it’s worrying to see the Celtics fail to comfortably close a game once again.

They were able to lean on their defensive prowess just enough, but the Bucks were a few shots away from making it close.

In those situations, coach Udoka should look to run some simple actions for Tatum and Brown, allowing them to either drive-and-kick or pull up for an easy mid-range jumper. If Brook Lopez is on the floor, a player on the perimeter will always be open–force him to come out and guard you, in turn finding an open man under the basket.

Udoka went to the latter idea quite often in the first half, even subbing out Robert Williams for Grant Williams extremely early in the opening minutes to play a five-out style.

Look for the offensive execution to prosper for a full four quarters on Saturday.