The Warriors were noticeably more physical in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and the Celtics have to be ready to respond to that over the rest of the series, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Golden State unleashed a more aggressive defense, forcing 19 turnovers that led to 33 points. Coach Steve Kerr also unveiled a few defensive adjustments that knocked Boston off its game.
One of those changes involved matching Draymond Green up more frequently with Jaylen Brown. After a hot start, Brown missed 10 of his last 11 shots from the field, but he said he knows what to expect moving forward.
“They switched the lineup,” Brown said. “They tried to put (Green) on me, be physical, muck the game up, pull me, grab me and overall raise the intensity. I feel like they got away with a lot of stuff tonight, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of the next game. All that stuff, the gimmicks, the tricks, we’ve just got to be the smarter team, be the more physical team. Look forward to just coming out and playing Celtic basketball.”
- Robert Williams remained on the ground for a while Sunday after Marcus Smart landed on his leg, but Celtics coach Ime Udoka told reporters today that Williams is fine, tweets Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Williams was listed as questionable heading into Game 2 because of left knee soreness and only played 14 minutes.
- Eric Koreen of The Athletic looks at four areas where the Raptors need to improve and suggests potential pick-ups to help with each one. One of the team’s primary concerns is finding more play-makers to go along with Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, and Koreen points to Malik Monk, Tyus Jones, Victor Oladipo, Delon Wright and Kyle Anderson as possible free agent targets. Koreen also believes Toronto has to upgrade its shooting, rim protection and perimeter defense.
- Julian Champagnie of St. John’s will work out for the Raptors on Wednesday, tweets Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports.
- Chris Heck is stepping down from his role as president of business operations with the Sixers, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Heck has been with the team for nine years and has been in his current post since 2017. “It’s time,” said Heck, who adds that he reached the decision in February. “I’ve kind of done everything I set out to do except for maybe organize an [NBA championship] parade. I’m really happy with what we accomplished during the time period, but it’s on to the next chapter.”
Of the 5 listed as playmakers, 4 are also usually on a top defenders list. So nail them down!
Heck is not the 76ers main problem.
According to many fans, Morey and Doc Rivers have been terrible for 10 consecutive years each.
Morey traded away 8 of 11 first round picks for Rockets between 2016 and 2026.
4th seeds
Rivers was always knocked out of the first round
1 or 2nd seed
Rivers was always past the first round and done.
Rivers was led by KG to win. If someone can tell me a change he made in Series that was positive. He went zone last year and Trae bombed away. Being a Celtic Fan I am hopeful they keep Doc so I will not have to worry about the 76er’s. Having Harden too will keep them down as well.
So glad Jalen said it. “DirtyDra” in a nice way.
All the grabbing and holding. Yes sir gotta be more physical. Dra is small compared to Celtics bigs. One of them needs to remind Dra of that.
What roster is this dude looking at? They’re full of playmakers and defenders. They need shooting
How about more shots for Al Horford & Marcus Smart in Game 3? Tonight!
Game 1: Celts win
Horford 12 shots
Smart 11 shots
Game 2: Celts lose
Horford 4 shots
Smart 6 shots