The Celtics have been scuffling a bit lately, and are a loss away from dropping to the .500 mark. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are on an upswing, and have made a few adjustments that are capitalizing on the strengths of their exciting young players.
The Wolves have a ton of talent. Aside from the obvious “contain Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns”… there are a few other things the Celtics can do to beat the Timberwolves.
1: Attack and make them defend
Wiggins, Towns, LaVine, Deng… opponents have higher offensive ratings when these guys are on the floor as opposed to off. This team has struggled with its defense when Kevin Garnett is off the floor. They’ve made some tweaks lately… adding Tayshaun Prince to the starting lineup to help shore things up. But that doesn’t change the fact that these kids are still learning how to defend. The Wolves are second in the league in fouls, so don’t just settle for jumpers… challenge these kids and get to the line. The Celtics offense is struggling… maybe a bunch of free throws will help get some jumpers back on track.
2:Don’t bite on LaVine’s fakes
The Wolves have adjusted how they’re using the super-athletic LaVine to get him more off the ball. He really wants to get to the basket…
So stay in front of him and turn him into a jump shooter. Statistically, he’s at his worst on wide open shots. He shoots 12.5% on wide open shots 10 feet and beyond…. a number probably artificially low since it only makes up 10% of his offense. LaVine’s scoring has bolstered the Wolves’ second unit scoring lately, and if he’s allowed to drive at will, this will get ugly. Boston’s bench is struggling… watching the bench get worked by LaVine would put too much pressure on the starters to bail them out.
3: Aggressive Olynyk
This just needs to be a point of emphasis now. I’ve had enough of this (as you know if you listened to the last Rainin’ J’s podcast). Kelly Olynyk is supremely important to the Celtics’ success.
This team is struggling right now, and the bench needs help. Olynyk needs to step up and look for his shot. He NEEDS to carry this second unit… especially over the next couple of weeks before Marcus Smart comes back.
The Wolves’ talent is going to be tough to match, but their youth makes them vulnerable and the Celtics swarming D, should it return to form, can help limit their best scoring options. They’re on a back-to-back, so that helps Boston’s cause. As much as I love Kevin Garnett… I’d rather see the Celtics follow this plan and beat him in what should be his final game in Boston.
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