They ranked second in scoring (120.6 points per game) and had the best offensive rating (122.2) in NBA history during the regular season. They’ve been pretty good offensively in the 2024 playoffs, too. Boston ranks second in scoring (111.6 points per game) and offensive rating (119.6) through three rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The C’s have been the best clutch team in the postseason as well. They are 4-0 with a plus-43.9 net rating in clutch games.
There’s a lot to like about how the Celtics are playing offensively as we await their opponent in the 2024 NBA Finals. But despite the success so far, there’s still another level the Celtics can reach. And if they get there, it’s hard to imagine them losing the Finals, regardless of whether the opponent is the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves.
The way to get there is 3-point shooting.
The Celtics haven’t been a bad 3-point shooting team in the playoffs — not at all, actually — but there’s absolutely room for improvement in this area from a team and individual player perspective.
The C’s made 1,281 3-point shots in the regular season, which was the second-most all time. They had eight players make 100-plus 3-pointers, and six shot 36.8 percent or better on those shots (minimum three attempts per game).
Making 1.9 less 3-pointers per game in the playoffs might not seem like a huge drop, but that’s almost six points per game, and that is a lot of points. Three of the four games against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals were decided by five points or less.
In fairness, it’s not surprising to see a team’s 3-point percentage dip a bit in the playoffs. Defenses are typically better in the postseason, and teams are more aggressive in defending these kinds of shots. The pace of play is usually a little slower, too. The pressure is ramped up a few levels as well, given what’s at stake.
