Boston Celtics key to victory No.1) Protect the basketball
In the midst of their third-quarter collapse, the Boston Celtics could not keep a hold of the basketball. Six of Tatum’s seven turnovers came in the period as the Heat overwhelmed Boston.
Not only did the shamrocks commit sixteen turnovers on the night, but their passing was also constantly offline and oftentimes ended up deflected or near another turnover.
Game 1 could have easily been a twenty-plus turnover game for the green. Robert Williams played sensational for most of the contest, but Boston continued to try to force it into him late in the game.
The Heat picked it off numerous times as their paint defense stepped up down the stretch. Williams was also stripped a couple of times as he went up for a shot.
Boston has to do a better job at protecting the rock, not only when passing, but when ball handling. In the last few games, Jaylen Brown’s handles have really been an issue as he cannot seem to get control of the rock.
It is highly unlikely that Jayson Tatum will turn it over seven times again. Regardless, he must make better passes and help set his teammates up for success.
If Marcus Smart can play on Thursday night, things could flow a bit better for the shamrocks as he has developed into the main facilitator for them.