Over their first two games of their 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals series, the Boston Celtics have managed to hold the defending champion Toronto Raptors to just over 25% from 3-point range.
The Raptors, for their part, have been a very solid team as far as shooting 3-pointers go in 2019-20 to date, having collectively connected on 37.4% of their treys this season.
Asked his opinion on the job the Celtics have done in this series guarding the perimeter in light of that exceptional success over two games, the Celtics coach was — as he always is — guarded in his praise.
Tatum: Cs survive cold streaks because they ‘find a way to contribute’ https://t.co/KgemHi53nT
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 3, 2020
“We just try to close out as hard as we can, and try to be there on catches as much as we can, but it’s easier said than done.
“I think they’ve missed a few open ones, but hopefully we’ve got it hard enough that those open ones just don’t feel as comfortable as normal if you are there. But, both teams are good at closing out, both teams are good, playing with great intensity to the close out. And, still, in this league guys still make tough ones, but that’s all we’re trying to do.”
“There’s some schemes and things that you try to be good at throughout the year,” he added, “because you know the value of the lay up and the 3.”
WATCH: How the Celtics defensive game plan has shut down the Raptors https://t.co/KAalSHRUHU
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 3, 2020
Boston isn’t likely to continue with this level of success shutting down the Raptors 3-point shooting in Game 3.
But the fact that the Celtics have found a way to push Toronto out of its comfort zone by taking away the team’s transition game may be at least as much of a factor as the Celtics’ usual perimeter defense is.
We’ll find out soon enough, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m Eastern Time this Thursday, September 3rd evening.
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