Your Morning Dump… Where it’s taking the Celtics 24 minutes to find their rhythm

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Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Celtics have averaged just 47 points per first half this season in an NBA where scoring is soaring. The Celtics are also last in first-half field goal percentage (36.1) and 3-point percentage (24.4)…

The problem is three of the Celtics’ primary scorers — Walker, Gordon Hayward, and Tatum – are combining for 30.7 percent shooting in the first half. Meanwhile, Walker and Jaylen Brown are shooting 25 percent from the 3-point line in the first half. 

Boston is No. 1 in the NBA in second-half points with 62.8. They are 10th in field-goal percentage and second in 3-point percentage (35.6). And they are a respectable 11th in free throw attempts (14.4) because of Walker, who is fifth in the NBA in attempts…

What is stunning is the trio of Walker, Hayward, and Tatum are shooting a combined 57.6 percent from the 3-point line in the second half. Walker is averaging 17 points after halftime because he is getting to the free-throw line nearly five times.

Globe

Gary Washburn offers some interesting insight into the Celtics 1st and 2nd half production.

It’s not uncommon for a team to start slowly, but what stands out to me is the Celtics’ stars are underperforming (and subsequently thriving) in unison.

Might this be proof that the guys are still learning to play effectively together? Maybe pressing early in games, or thinking too much about getting teammates involved?

I’m pulling ideas out of my a$$. But I’m willing to bet this sharp contrast by half eventually fades.

On Page 2, Carsen Edwards takes drastic action to end his shooting slump.

After shooting a blistering 51% in the preseason, Edwards is just 5-22 (22%, 15% 3 FG) in the regular season.

I don’t know for certain if the shooting woes contributed to the buzz cut, but I support anything that gets this kid on track.

I stand by my preseason prediction that he’ll be a difference-maker off Boston’s bench.

And finally, another update from Brooklyn.

‘Irresponsible to overreact’ is Stage 1 of denying Kyrie is a problem. I know it very, very well.

The rest of the links

Herald – Celtics avoiding “internal” injury | Pierce says a weight has been lifted from the Celtics

NBC Sports – Report: Hawks did have interest in Jaylen Brown

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