It was only a matter of time. A new approach to playing is being employed, and so far it is working.
The Boston Celtics’ recent NBA championship victory showcased a strategic shift from the traditional reliance on star players to a team-centric approach that might be setting a new precedent in the league. With an impressive 80-21 overall record this season, the Celtics demonstrated that dominance in basketball today may not require the superstar presence of players like Nikola Jokić, LeBron James, or Stephen Curry, none of whom are on their roster.
My identity is in Jesus, that comes before anything else 🔥 –
Joe Mazzulla, Catholic coach of 2024 NBA champion’s Boston Celtics pic.twitter.com/iqqTwhEdao
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) June 18, 2024
This season, the Celtics constructed a formidable team around a five-out system, emphasizing versatile players who excel in both three-point shooting and defense, embodying the “3-and-D” philosophy. This approach proved more successful than relying on a single MVP talent, highlighting a potential shift in team-building strategies across the NBA. They executed this by taking a record number of three-pointers, 3,482 during the regular season, and increasing this percentage even further during the finals. The strategy wasn’t just about shooting threes; it was about creating a team structure that allowed them to maximize the spacing and scoring opportunities this style affords.
WATCH: Footage reveals Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla praying the rosary on a “prayer walk” around the court before winning the NBA Championship. pic.twitter.com/duTc9wYJej
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) June 18, 2024
Key players for the Celtics included Jaylen Brown, who won the Finals MVP, and Kristaps Porziņģis, whose presence as a “stretch five” was pivotal, especially given his unique ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Porziņģis, referred to as a “3-and-D unicorn,” was instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the Celtics’ strategic gameplay, especially during the moments he was on the court, as evidenced by his impressive plus-minus stats during the finals.
The Celtics’ approach this season also reflects broader trends in the NBA, which is increasingly valuing three-point shooting and defensive versatility. They showed that a balanced team effort could effectively counteract the traditional strategy of building around one or two superstars, a method that has become financially unsustainable for many teams under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Good Morning to the 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics, and thank you Mike Gorman. They went out and won that thing ☘️ 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gsB7ao5zkw
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 18, 2024
This victory might not only signify a successful season but could also indicate a shift in how teams approach building a championship roster. By prioritizing depth and versatility over star power, the Celtics have provided a blueprint that other teams might follow, especially as financial constraints and the physical demands of long NBA seasons make the superstar model less viable. Whether this team-centric approach becomes the norm remains to be seen, but the Celtics’ success could encourage more teams to adopt similar strategies.
Major Points:
- The Boston Celtics clinched the NBA championship with an 80-21 season record, demonstrating a team-centric approach without superstar players like Jokić, LeBron, or Curry.
- The Celtics employed a “3-and-D” strategy, prioritizing three-point shooting and strong defense, diverging from traditional reliance on MVP-level stars.
- They set a record for three-point attempts in a season and in the NBA Finals, reinforcing their strategic shift towards perimeter shooting.
- Key player Kristaps Porziņģis, labeled a “3-and-D unicorn,” played a crucial role, especially with his defensive prowess and three-point shooting.
- This championship might signal a shift in NBA team-building strategies, focusing on depth and versatility over superstar-centric rosters.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News