3. 3-point shooting
The Celtics are not the most efficient 3-point shooting team, but nobody takes or makes more. They attempt 2.2 more triples per game than the second-ranked Mavericks and have a 1.1 edge in makes. Boston is ninth in the NBA in percentage, which is fueled by outstanding catch-and-shoot numbers.
The Celtics take 28 catch-and-shoot triples per game. That is the best mark in the Eastern Conference, but just fifth in the NBA. They make those attempts at a conference-best 39.4 percent. Kicking out to shooter is a massive part of their attack and those attempts keep going down.
The Cs take the most open 3-point attempts in the league too at 17.2 per game. It results in a league-best 6.5 makes each night. Boston has a ton of weapons, and the defense cannot guard them all. When they help off someone, a teammate becomes open and makes them pay.
The Boston Celtics will attempt a ton of 3-pointers in the playoffs, which could turn into a massive advantage depending on the matchup. The Mavs reached the conference finals in 2022 with the help of a significant 3-point shooting edge over the Suns. Phoenix wanted mid-range twos, and Dallas made them pay by hitting triples. Boston could have a similar advantage over the Heat and 76ers in this year’s postseason.