Celtics Adjust Strategy After Tough Loss to Thunder

DENVER — The Boston Celtics, reeling from a 13-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, held an intensive film session and full team workout at Ball Arena before facing the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. This marked a departure from their usual routine of optional individual workouts, signaling a shift in strategy to address recent performance issues.

Center Kristaps Porzingis emphasized the dual purpose of the session: acclimating to Denver’s altitude and dissecting the shortcomings from the Thunder game. “[Coach Joe Mazzulla] kind of called out all the things that we need to look at and fix,” Porzingis said. “Yeah, Joe doesn’t have an easy job, but today again he did a phenomenal job.”

The Celtics’ second-half collapse against the Thunder, where key players including Jaylen Brown and Derrick White went scoreless on 0-for-19 shooting, highlighted the need for tactical adjustments. Porzingis noted that the film session reinforced the team’s real-time observations: “Just not good execution. Turnovers, some silly shots, some stupid mistakes. They sped us up a little bit here and there.”

Forward Jayson Tatum pointed out the need for quicker recognition of defensive adjustments by opponents. “How can we recognize in that moment and find the best option, the best way to attack?” Tatum questioned. He stressed the importance of adapting plays based on matchups rather than rigidly sticking to predetermined strategies.

Mazzulla also addressed the team’s ongoing adjustment period, noting the limited time the Celtics have had with their full rotation this season. “So it’s kind of like the start of the year,” Tatum said. “Hopefully we can stay healthy and continue to build off that, because we know what we’re capable of.”

Despite the challenges, Tatum, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, downplayed the need for him to dominate the ball. “It’s just about reading the game,” he said. “We’ve just got too many talented players, and that’s not the way we play.” However, he acknowledged that there are moments when increased aggression is necessary.

The Celtics’ recent struggles have sparked discussions about their defensive approach. Historically conservative, Boston’s defense under Mazzulla has prioritized positional discipline over forcing turnovers. However, the team’s recent performance suggests a potential shift. Since Christmas Day, the Celtics have increased their turnover-forcing efforts while maintaining a top-tier defensive rating.

Mazzulla acknowledged this intentional change: “We’re trying to force more turnovers, trying to be more active… That’s gonna lead to a little bit of moments of unsolidness, which hopefully creates turnovers.” This adjustment could unlock a higher defensive ceiling for a team brimming with intelligent, long-armed defenders like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.

As the Celtics navigate the remainder of the season, the balance between discipline and calculated risk-taking will be crucial. With the playoffs on the horizon, Boston’s ability to adapt and refine their strategies could determine their success in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.