Boston Celtics: 3 keys to taking series lead against Bucks in Game 5

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 3) The mid-range game

In their first-round matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics cruised to a sweep thanks to their success in the mid-range. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum pour in buckets on a nightly basis around the free-throw line. They know how to create space and shoot over smaller defenders inside the three-point line.

So far against the Bucks, the Celtics have strayed away from attacking and working the ball in and around the paint. Boston continues to settle for 3-pointers with the Bucks’ paint protection proving to be top-notch. In order for the Cs to take the series lead, they need to play to their strengths.

Boston dropped down to 37 shots from deep in the previous game, a more comfortable level. As evident by their success in the fourth quarter, when mid-range shots are the result of good ball movement, things go right.

Don’t get me wrong, Boston should still look for quality 3-pointers, but there needs to be more focus on what got them to the playoffs, and that is the mid-range game.

Look for Ime Udoka to draw up more plays that result in quality mid-range looks as the Celtics look to take the series lead.