Analyst reveals ‘serious math problem’ for Hawks in Boston Celtics series
The Atlanta Hawks have a “serious math problem” during their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series against the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics according to CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney — that being the massive disparity in 3-point shooting that he figures will ultimately favor the Cs.
“The Celtics finished second in the league in 3-point attempts per game (42.6) and sixth in 3-point percentage (37.7), while the Hawks were 28th in 3-point attempts (30.5) and 21st in percentage (35.2) — for further context on the disparity, the Celtics made at least 20 3s in a game on 17 occasions; the Hawks did not do it once,” Maloney prefaced before saying, “That’s a serious math problem for the Hawks. To their credit, they are a high-level offensive team, but when you’re shooting that many fewer 3s than your opponent, you have to be incredibly efficient at all times to keep up with them.”
While the game does slow down considerably in the postseason, leading to less transition 3-point attempts and less 3-point shooting altogether, the efficiency gap is one that could bear out favorably for Boston.
Marcus Smart and Trae Young is the ‘most important individual matchup’ in the Boston Celtics-Atlanta Hawks series
According to Maloney, the floor general faceoff between Marcus Smart and Trae Young is the “most important individual matchup” in the Atlanta Hawks-Boston Celtics Eastern Conference quarterfinals series.
“The most important individual matchup in this series is Marcus Smart vs. Trae Young,” Maloney wrote. “Any chance the Hawks have of pulling the upset rests largely on Young’s shoulders; they need him to summon the form he had during the 2021 playoffs when he took the NBA world by storm and led the Hawks past the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in stunning fashion.”
That will be a tall task for Young due to the Celtics collectively representing one of the stingiest defensive units in the NBA.
“That won’t be an easy task for Young, however, as he’ll be going up against one of the best defensive units in the league. One that boasts multiple elite perimeter stoppers, including reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who will be the primary Young defender.”