The Boston Celtics have proven themselves as one of the best offensive teams in the NBA this season. Dominating the regular season with the top offensive rating and continuing their prowess in the postseason, the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with.
Their strategy of seeking out mismatches on the perimeter through screening actions before isolating against a weaker defender has been a key component of their success.
Charles Barkley’s Critique
However, not everyone is convinced of the efficacy of Joe Mazzulla’s offensive system. NBA legend Charles Barkley voiced his concerns on a recent TNT postgame show, calling the Celtics’ offense “the worst offense I’ve seen for grown folks.” Barkley criticized the team for relying heavily on isolation plays, suggesting that this approach could hinder their championship aspirations.
“They’re the worst offense I’ve seen for grown folks. It’s like they just give the ball to one guy and go 1-on-1. They win a lot of games because they’ve got talent. What are they doing? Everybody just stands around. It’s frustrating. Maybe some things will change when Porzingis comes back. The way they play offense right now, they can’t win a championship like that.”
The Stats Behind the Boston Celtics’ Offense
Despite Barkley’s criticism, the numbers tell a different story. The Celtics ended the regular season ranked fourth in isolation possessions per game with 13.4, and joint-fourth in isolation scoring, averaging 1.01 points per possession. Given that, an average NBA game has around 100 total possessions, the Celtics’ isolation plays account for 26.8% of their offensive strategy during the regular season.
In the playoffs, the trend continues. The Celtics are third in isolation plays and eighth in isolation scoring, boasting an 8-2 record over their opening two postseason rounds against the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. This isolation-heavy strategy seems to be paying off, as the team excels at hunting and exploiting mismatches.
The Role of Elite Scoring Options
The Celtics’ success in isolation plays is bolstered by their elite scoring options. With players like Jayson Tatum, who can dominate one-on-one situations, the team has multiple release valves if defenses try to shut down their primary attack. This versatility makes their isolation-heavy approach more effective than it might be for other teams.
three more days ⏳ pic.twitter.com/JP0hRZ8bLy
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 18, 2024
Brad Stevens has constructed a roster designed to hunt, attack, and punish mismatches. Mazzulla’s squad runs various actions and plays a team-oriented brand of basketball. Even their screening actions leading up to isolations involve multiple rotation members, showcasing a well-rounded offensive strategy.
Boston Celtics’ Championship Aspirations
With potentially just 14 or fewer games standing between them and an NBA championship, the Celtics’ offensive strategy will continue to be scrutinized. However, their league-leading offensive rating and postseason success suggest that their approach is far from rudimentary.
As they advance through the playoffs, the Celtics will need to maintain their offensive prowess and continue to prove doubters like Charles Barkley wrong. If they can do so, a championship may well be within their grasp.
The Boston Celtics’ offense, driven by isolation plays and elite scoring options, is more sophisticated and effective than it might appear at first glance. Their strategy, while unconventional, has brought them success and positions them as strong contenders for the NBA title.
