A complete performance leads Celtics over Lakers

Beating the Lakers never disappoints!

Victory is always sweeter when it comes via snapping a Los Angeles Lakers 8-game win streak, while chalking up your fourth dub on the bounce.

Things didn’t get off to the best of starts, as the Celtics rode three missed shots and two turnovers in the opening two minutes of play. Brown had two of those misses and one of those turnovers, yet, quickly bounced back to have an instrumental night.

And that’s where we’re starting today.

☘️ Doncic appears to struggle against athletic wings that can match his strength. If he can’t overpower you, and you’re explosive enough to stick with him, even if he creates space off the bounce, Doncic tends to struggle. We saw the Lakers’ latest star have a horrid time dealing with OG Anunoby earlier in the week for the same reasons.

If Luka can’t create separation, and he can’t overpower you, his lack of burst lets him down. As such, I found it interesting to pay attention to how many shots Brown deterred, rather than just contested.

Brown matches Doncic every step of the way in the above clip. He’s glued to his hips. If Doncic goes up for the shot, he’s under pressure and operating at Brown’s pace, rather than his own. As such, the Lakers star kicks the rock back out to the perimeter. The ball gets swung again and boom, LeBron James has to deal with Al Horford.

Small moments like this can pile up. They can become frustrating or even deflating.

This clip is from earlier in the game, but it’s the same concept. Doncic doesn't have the burst to take advantage of Brown getting bumped on the screen, nor does he have the first step to blow by Brown after his initial snatchback.

I’ve held off on writing this newsletter for multiple hours, waiting on tracking data. Alas, league pass / NBA Stats hasn’t played ball with me. So, we’re leaning into the eye test and what we saw.

Anyway, if you’ve been following this newsletter for a while, you’ll know that I’m big on the defense dictating the terms of engagement. That is, to force the offense into taking shots you’re willing to live with, from spots you’re willing to give up. That’s exactly what putting Brown on Doncic accomplishes — even if Brown is operating as the help defender.

I also verbalized my thoughts on Brown’s defense against Luka and why it’s so important for the Celtics — and so concerning for Doncic — in today’s YouTube video. Check it out here…

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