Now that the Nets have brushed apart the Cavaliers within the play-in to clinch the seventh seed within the Japanese Convention, their reward is a collection in opposition to arguably the most well liked crew in all the NBA.
The Celtics rode the league’s finest protection to go 34-12 down the stretch, and declare the No. 2 seed. This primary-round collection is a rematch of final season’s opening-round, received in a five-game laugher by the Nets, besides this time, the Celtics are more healthy, favored and in-form.
There are myriad storylines surrounding Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston, beginning Sunday with Sport 1 at TD Backyard. And although Kevin Durant has professed nothing however respect for the Celtics, the Nets are privately assured that they match up nicely.
The Put up’s Brian Lewis breaks down the matchups that can determine in the event that they actually do:
Nets’ 3-point capturing vs. Celtics’ 3-point protection
From the purpose at which Durant returned from his month-and-a-half absence because of a sprained left MCL harm, the Nets have been third-best within the NBA from 3-point vary (.399). However can Bruce Brown sustain his uncharacteristically scorching capturing? Can Seth Curry, scuffling with a sore ankle, regain consistency? Boston had the highest 3-point protection within the league for all the season (.339), and it has solely gotten stingier within the second half.
Edge: Celtics
Celtics’ 3-point capturing vs. Nets’ 3-point protection
Most facets of the Nets’ protection have been middling by way of a lot of the common season, though they did end eighth in 3-point protection. The Nets lastly appeared motivated and dug in down the stretch, and completed ninth in defensive ranking as they closed 12-5. Boston hasn’t been a high-volume capturing crew, however was eighth in 3s made.
Edge: Even
Rebounding
This has at all times been an Achilles’ heel for the Nets, who completed useless final within the league in defensive rebound proportion. However the addition of Andre Drummond has helped plug that gap and lifted them from abysmal to common. Regardless of an edge in physicality, the Celtics are close to the center of the pack as nicely. Boston dropping Robert Williams III to a knee harm ranges the competition on the boards.
Edge: Even
Drawing fouls and capturing free throws
The Nets have been prime 10 within the league in free throws taken and proportion made. And even with Irving inexplicably eschewing the drive, he and Durant will get deep into the paint and draw fouls. However they attain too usually and provides away too many low cost factors on the charity stripe (twenty sixth within the final 15 video games). They need to take classes from the Celtics, who handle to have the league’s finest protection whereas nonetheless being within the backside third in free throws conceded and backside 5 in fouls dedicated.
Edge: Even
Nets’ means to get paint factors vs. Celtics’ inside protection
Bostonians have been triggered when Brown stated his Nets will be capable to assault extra with Daniel Theis and Al Horford within the paint as an alternative of Williams, however he wasn’t mendacity. Horford is a excessive IQ defender, however Williams’ rim safety and help-side protection is elite, an enormous motive Boston was prime 5 in each blocks and fewest paint factors allowed. The Nets had the second-fewest drives within the league and Irving had the fewest layup makes an attempt of his profession.
Edge: Celtics
Celtics’ means to get paint factors vs. Nets’ inside protection
Nic Claxton blocked 5 pictures within the play-in win, whereas Durant rejected three. Claxton’s improved type has helped the Nets’ protection. They’ll be examined by Boston wing Jayson Tatum, who averaged 26.9 factors and has taken that closing leap to superstardom. Nonetheless, regardless of Horford’s effectivity and deft passing, dropping Williams hurts the Celtics’ means to punish the Nets inside.
Edge: Even
In transition
With Durant and Irving, the Nets thrive out within the open ground. They’re eighth in fast-break factors, and fourth over the ultimate 15 video games (16.8). And one of the simplest ways to assault Boston is earlier than they get arrange within the halfcourt sport, their top-ranked protection merely good in transition. On the opposite finish, although the Nets have been lackadaisical getting again all season, Boston scored the third-fewest transition factors within the league and will not take benefit.
Edge: Nets
Depth/bench
That is the healthiest the Nets have been for the reason that commerce deadline. That provides coach Steve Nash the posh of a nine-man rotation, with Claxton, Patty Mills, Kessler Edwards and Goran Dragic all enjoying acceptable roles off the bench. Williams’ absence will pressure Boston to start out Theis and Horford collectively, leaving Derrick White and Grant Williams (and maybe Payton Pritchard) as the one dependable bench choices.
Edge: Nets, by so much
Teaching
Nash has not solely saved the crew collectively, but additionally has improved his endgame administration and after-timeout work. His former assistant, Ime Udoka, frankly ought to get love for Coach of the Yr in his very first season on the finish of the Celtics’ bench. Udoka — the newest department off the Spurs’ tree — has impressed together with his defensive acumen, participant administration and talent to encourage.
Edge: Celtics
Intangibles
The Nets are nonetheless searching for cohesion after biking by way of a team-record 42 totally different beginning lineups. It stays to be seen if that can undercut the star skills of Durant and Irving, whose three-level scoring skills let their prowess translate within the playoffs. Nonetheless, a Boston crew that bounced again from a 17-19 begin with a 34-12 end have to be doing one thing proper within the intangibles division.
Edge: Celtics
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