Jaylen Brown Reveals How Celtics Have Embraced Intentional Gameplay
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics discussed how the team has embraced a more intentional style of play. Brown expressed his appreciation for the Celtics’ heightened attention to detail and improved ability to diagnose coverages, hunt for favorable matchups, and make the right reads on offense. He believes that the Celtics are now not only a talented team but also a smarter one.
The Celtics’ intentional gameplay was on display during a mid-November win against the Toronto Raptors. With the Raptors switching everything on defense, the Celtics purposefully went away from their All-NBA wings, Brown and Jayson Tatum, and instead focused on exploiting a favorable matchup with Kristaps Porziņģis against Dennis Schröder. This strategic decision resulted in two crucial buckets down the stretch and a three-point victory for the Celtics.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the importance of structure in the team’s offense. He wants the Celtics to be more calculated in their approach, utilizing their wealth of talent in a precise and organized manner. Al Horford mentioned that Mazzulla has been harping on offensive organization since the beginning of the season, and Tatum added that the enhanced focus on structure has encouraged the players to be more aware of their surroundings and make better decisions on the court.
According to Brown, the coaching staff has made the game plan more detailed and purposeful this season. The Celtics’ offensive efficiency currently ranks second in the league, showcasing their evolution on that end of the court. Mazzulla acknowledged that last season lacked structure due to various factors but expressed confidence that the team is now buying into his vision and understanding the importance of playing with purpose.
While the Celtics haven’t been flawless in executing their intentional gameplay, they have shown improvement and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. Mazzulla admitted that he should have utilized Rudy Gobert differently in a November loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and acknowledged missed opportunities in a game against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Celtics responded positively in their next game against the Houston Rockets, adapting their strategy to counter the opposition’s defense and utilizing Porziņģis effectively in the post.
Despite concerns about their ability to perform in high-pressure playoff moments, Brown believes that the Celtics are better prepared this season. The team has experimented with various lineups and strategies, incorporating zone defense and giving playing time to different players. Brown emphasized the importance of sacrificing individual statistics for the greater goal of winning and praised the team’s lack of ego in pursuit of victory.
Mazzulla has kept the end goal of winning in mind while also focusing on adding layers to the team’s gameplay. He aims to approach each game with an open mind, understanding that there are multiple ways to secure a victory. The Celtics are building more ways to win and are becoming a more versatile team as a result.
Both Brown and Tatum have embraced the increased offensive structure, highlighting the importance of understanding the team’s objectives and attacking specific matchups. They believe that this intentional approach has led to the Celtics playing with purpose and making more informed decisions on the court.
With a talented roster and a newfound commitment to winning, the Celtics are determined to overcome their previous playoff failures. Brown stated that the team is now ready to prioritize winning above all else, as they have all reached a point in their careers where they are focused on achieving success. The Celtics are confident that their intentional gameplay and attention to detail will serve them well as they strive for greatness.
In conclusion, the Boston Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown, have embraced a more intentional style of play this season. With a focus on attention to detail, strategic decision-making, and offensive structure, the Celtics have become a smarter and more calculated team. Although they have faced challenges along the way, they are determined to learn from their mistakes and adapt their gameplay accordingly. With their talented roster and a shared commitment to winning, the Celtics are confident that their intentional approach will lead them to success, both in the regular season and the playoffs.