Now that the Nets have brushed aside the Cavaliers in the engage in-in to clinch the seventh seed in the Jap Convention, their reward is a sequence from arguably the hottest crew in the overall NBA.
The Celtics rode the league’s best protection to go 34-12 down the stretch, and assert the No. 2 seed. This very first-round series is a rematch of final season’s opening-spherical, won in a 5-game laugher by the Nets, apart from this time, the Celtics are much healthier, favored and in-variety.
There are myriad storylines bordering Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston, starting Sunday with Recreation 1 at TD Yard. And however Kevin Durant has professed absolutely nothing but respect for the Celtics, the Nets are privately self-confident that they match up properly.
The Post’s Brian Lewis breaks down the matchups that will decide if they seriously do:
Nets’ 3-level capturing vs. Celtics’ 3-position defense
From the stage at which Durant returned from his month-and-a-50 % absence thanks to a sprained left MCL injury, the Nets were being 3rd-very best in the NBA from 3-level range (.399). But can Bruce Brown retain up his uncharacteristically sizzling capturing? Can Seth Curry, struggling with a sore ankle, regain consistency? Boston had the top 3-position defense in the league for the total period (.339), and it has only gotten stingier in the 2nd half.
Edge: Celtics
Celtics’ 3-place capturing vs. Nets’ 3-position defense
Most features of the Nets’ defense have been middling through significantly of the frequent period, whilst they did complete eighth in 3-point protection. The Nets finally appeared determined and dug in down the stretch, and concluded ninth in defensive ranking as they closed 12-5. Boston has not been a high-quantity capturing crew, but was eighth in 3s manufactured.
Edge: Even
Rebounding
This has always been an Achilles’ heel for the Nets, who concluded useless past in the league in defensive rebound proportion. But the addition of Andre Drummond has aided plug that gap and lifted them from abysmal to normal. In spite of an edge in physicality, the Celtics are near the center of the pack as nicely. Boston dropping Robert Williams III to a knee harm degrees the contest on the boards.
Edge: Even
Drawing fouls and taking pictures free of charge throws
The Nets were best 10 in the league in cost-free throws taken and share manufactured. And even with Irving inexplicably eschewing the push, he and Durant will get deep into the paint and attract fouls. But they arrive at also typically and give away as well lots of inexpensive factors at the charity stripe (26th in the past 15 games). They need to acquire lessons from the Celtics, who regulate to have the league’s best protection though still currently being in the base third in totally free throws conceded and bottom five in fouls committed.
Edge: Even
Nets’ potential to get paint points vs. Celtics’ interior protection
Bostonians have been activated when Brown said his Nets will be equipped to assault additional with Daniel Theis and Al Horford in the paint alternatively of Williams, but he was not lying. Horford is a significant IQ defender, but Williams’ rim protection and assist-aspect defense is elite, a huge purpose Boston was prime 5 in each blocks and fewest paint details authorized. The Nets experienced the 2nd-fewest drives in the league and Irving had the fewest layup makes an attempt of his career.
Edge: Celtics
Celtics’ means to get paint factors vs. Nets’ interior defense
Nic Claxton blocked 5 photographs in the play-in win, though Durant rejected a few. Claxton’s improved kind has assisted the Nets’ defense. They’ll be analyzed by Boston wing Jayson Tatum, who averaged 26.9 factors and has taken that remaining leap to superstardom. Nonetheless, inspite of Horford’s performance and deft passing, dropping Williams hurts the Celtics’ capability to punish the Nets within.
Edge: Even
In transition
With Durant and Irving, the Nets thrive out in the open up floor. They’re eighth in speedy-break details, and fourth over the last 15 games (16.8). And the best way to attack Boston is just before they get established up in the halfcourt activity, their major-rated defense simply excellent in transition. On the other finish, even although the Nets have been lackadaisical acquiring back again all season, Boston scored the 3rd-fewest transition factors in the league and may possibly not just take benefit.
Edge: Nets
Depth/bench
This is the healthiest the Nets have been considering that the trade deadline. That offers mentor Steve Nash the luxury of a 9-man rotation, with Claxton, Patty Mills, Kessler Edwards and Goran Dragic all participating in appropriate roles off the bench. Williams’ absence will power Boston to commence Theis and Horford collectively, leaving Derrick White and Grant Williams (and perhaps Payton Pritchard) as the only trusted bench alternatives.
Edge: Nets, by a good deal
Coaching
Nash has not only retained the staff alongside one another, but also has enhanced his endgame administration and right after-timeout work. His previous assistant, Ime Udoka, frankly really should get love for Mentor of the Year in his extremely initially year at the end of the Celtics’ bench. Udoka — the hottest branch off the Spurs’ tree — has impressed with his defensive acumen, participant administration and skill to encourage.
Edge: Celtics
Intangibles
The Nets are nonetheless wanting for cohesion immediately after biking by way of a staff-history 42 various beginning lineups. It continues to be to be witnessed if that will undercut the star abilities of Durant and Irving, whose three-stage scoring qualities allow their prowess translate in the playoffs. Still, a Boston team that bounced back from a 17-19 begin with a 34-12 complete ought to be accomplishing anything right in the intangibles office.
Edge: Celtics
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