Boston Celtics Struggling From Three: A Look At The Knicks' Defensive Strategy

David

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Post on May 08, 2025

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Boston Celtics Struggling from Three: A Look at the Knicks' Defensive Strategy

The Boston Celtics, known for their potent three-point shooting, have found themselves in a slump recently, particularly against the New York Knicks. This isn't just bad luck; the Knicks have implemented a shrewd defensive strategy specifically designed to neutralize the Celtics' long-range threat, impacting their overall offensive flow and leading to some tense games. Let's dive into the details of how the Knicks are stifling Boston's perimeter game.

The Knicks' Defensive Masterclass: More Than Just Size

While the Knicks possess size in players like Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein, their success against the Celtics' three-point shooting isn't solely reliant on physicality. It's a multi-faceted approach involving smart rotations, aggressive close-outs, and strategic switching that disrupts Boston's rhythm.

• Aggressive Close-outs: The Knicks consistently pressure Celtics shooters the moment they receive the ball, forcing quick decisions and limiting their time to set their feet for a comfortable shot. This high-pressure defense forces turnovers and contested shots, significantly reducing Boston's three-point percentage.

• Strategic Switching: The Knicks' ability to seamlessly switch between guarding different players prevents the Celtics from exploiting mismatches. This fluidity prevents Boston from isolating weaker defenders on the perimeter and forces them to rely on more difficult shots.

• Rotating to the Ball: The Knicks excel at quick rotations, covering for teammates and preventing open looks from the corners and wings. This coordinated effort ensures that even when a shooter initially gets open, help defense arrives swiftly.

• Limiting Driving Lanes: By aggressively defending the perimeter, the Knicks indirectly impact the Celtics' drive-and-kick game. The pressure forces the Celtics' ball-handlers to make quicker decisions, often leading to contested shots or turnovers, effectively neutralizing one of Boston's primary offensive strategies.

The Impact on the Celtics' Offense

The Knicks' defensive strategy has had a noticeable impact on the Celtics' overall offensive efficiency. Their three-point percentage has dipped significantly in recent matchups against New York, leading to more reliance on less efficient mid-range shots. This shift in shot selection has, in turn, affected their overall scoring output and has created a more challenging offensive environment for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This isn't to say the Celtics are incapable of adapting, but the Knicks' defense certainly presents a significant hurdle.

Can the Celtics Adjust?

The Celtics are renowned for their offensive adjustments, and we can expect coach Joe Mazzulla to formulate counter-strategies. This could involve more off-ball movement to create open looks, improved ball-handling under pressure, and potentially exploiting mismatches through pick-and-roll plays. The upcoming games will be crucial in observing how the Celtics adapt and whether they can overcome the Knicks’ stifling defense.

Looking Ahead: The Celtics-Knicks rivalry is always intense, and this defensive battle adds another layer of excitement. The upcoming games will showcase whether the Celtics can break free from their three-point slump or if the Knicks’ defensive strategy continues to reign supreme. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving matchup. For more NBA news and analysis, check out [link to relevant NBA news site].