#1 - 5-slot offense
The Celtics started the game with two centers who aren’t threats from beyond the arc. Yet, they still found ways to generate offense. Who said you need shooting to create spacing? The Celtics have recently started using Kornet or Queta in the 5 slot, creating an imbalance in the Sixers’ defense and opening up space.
Jayson Tatum is positioned very high on the court, forcing a defender to stay focused on him far from the rim. Both non-shooting centers are placed beyond the three-point line, in the slot. Since the Sixers started in drop coverage, this alignment creates an open shot for Derrick White.
Even with only Luke Kornet on the floor, this approach works. Because Kornet isn’t a shooting threat, no defender is close to him. Therefore, when he received the ball and instantly set a screen for Jayson Tatum, the defender was a step behind, as they weren’t considering Kornet a threat and were positioned away from the action.
Despite not being able to shoot in these positions, Kornet and Queta set great screens and can make plays if a teammate gets open.
#2 - Offense against the zone defense
The Sixers, led by Nick Nurse’s defensive mind, deployed zone defense to disrupt the Celtics’ offense. However, this was more out of necessity than strategy. Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers lack rim protection and must find ways to contain rim pressure as much as possible.
At the same time, they are also playing without Paul George, which limits their length and ability to disrupt driving lanes. Given these constraints, Nurse is doing his best to build a defense that can survive as long as possible. Against the Celtics, when teams are desperate, they often turn to zone defense—a tactic that worked well… back in 2023 against the Miami Heat.
However, since then, the Celtics have worked toward building a more versatile offense that doesn’t break down against a zone. Joe Mazzulla and the players have learned from past mistakes and now understand how to break a zone defense, even an unconventional one.
Great offensive flow against the Sixers weird 3-2 zone.
A first drive following a screen to get the defense in rotation from Tatum, then another drive from Pritchard to find Kornet at the rim.
(@celticsblog) pic.twitter.com/K2AKtAx6VG
— azmatlanba (@azmatlanba) March 7, 2025
Indeed, the Sixers experimented with a 3-2 zone mixed with a triangle in the middle and sometimes ended possessions in man-to-man defense. Yet, the Celtics maintained their offensive flow, attacking the front line and getting to the free-throw area. They kept the ball moving until they found an open man.
Despite Nurse’s creative defensive approach, the talent gap was too big, and the Sixers let this one slip in the second half.
#3 - Jayson Tatum doing it all in the first
Jayson Tatum set the tone in the first quarter. He scored 18 of the Celtics’ 35 points, delivered one assist, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded three steals. Despite playing alongside only Derrick White as a regular starter, the Celtics’ go-to guy gave his team the upper hand after 12 minutes.
Why was this so important? Because the minutes without Jayson Tatum have been much more complicated due to his ability to create and attract defensive attention.
#4 - The minutes without Jayson Tatum
To start the second quarter, Jayson Tatum sat on the bench, leaving the Celtics without a primary offensive creator—leading to a chaotic stretch. During those four minutes and 30 seconds, the only made basket that wasn’t a putback or a transition bucket was this one:
An empty-side ball screen that Derrick White decided not to use. Instead, he drove into the open space, found Queta cutting from the opposite slot, and created an open shot for Torey Craig. This sequence shows that offense can still be generated without Tatum. However, for some reason, the rest of the offensive stretch was messy.
Fortunately, with Tatum on the floor, the Celtics were scoring at an astonishing rate of 147 points per 100 possessions. Thanks to that efficiency, Tatum was able to sit for the final 12 minutes, providing an opportunity for the Baylor Scheierman show.
#5 - Baylor Scheierman’s first big night
It all started with Baylor Scheierman drawing a charge on former Celtic Guerschon Yabusele…
But his impact went far beyond that. Offensively, he positioned himself well against the zone, ensuring the ball handler had a reliable kick-out option. His game reading was so precise that Joe Mazzulla even ran a couple of ATOs (after-timeout plays) for him.
Great sign for Baylor Scheierman as the Celtics run an ATO to involve him in the offense.
Double drag action, he is the second screener and can attack the open space. Great read to find Jordan Walsh in the corner.
(@celticsblog) pic.twitter.com/ptl9UN1cxC
— azmatlanba (@azmatlanba) March 7, 2025
I asked Mazzulla if this was his way of acknowledging Scheierman’s great contribution—he replied, “That’s one way to do it.” The Celtics coach also praised his rebounding and defensive presence. This next play is another example of Baylor’s high level of concentration and aggression last night:
This was Scheierman’s first benchmark game—looking forward to what comes next.
#6 - Luke Kornet doing it all
Is there anything he can’t do? Last night was another statement in Luke Kornet’s evolution as an impactful player. Before the game, Mazzulla emphasized Kornet’s improvements in physicality and screening—this game was a great example of why.
Kornet’s size creates space, allowing teammates to attack with more comfort. On top of that, his increased physicality has made him an even better offensive rebounder. Once again, he dominated the offensive glass. His rim protection was also crucial, recording four blocks.
Kornet has been EVERYWHERE.
7 points, 4 assists, 3 offensive rebounds and 4 blocks in 25 minutes.
With his defensive and offensive improvements, I'm looking forward to seeing how Brad Stevens will find a way to keep him on the Celtics.
Next Celtics summer will be interesting. https://t.co/I2o37Edv71 pic.twitter.com/Cs6KjR207r
— azmatlanba (@azmatlanba) March 7, 2025
By the end of the night, Kornet had the highest plus/minus. He thrived as both a lone big and alongside Neemias Queta—because that’s what he does, adapting and performing no matter the situation.
#7 - Torrey Craig finding a way to impact the game
Early in the game, Torrey Craig hesitated on a few three-point attempts—something that doesn’t align with “Mazzulla Ball.” While Joe Mazzulla encourages shooting, Craig found another way to make an impact: crashing the offensive boards.
And when I say crashing, I mean it. The energy he brought was undeniable. Since the Sixers were leaving him open to focus on protecting the paint, Craig took full advantage—anticipating shots perfectly and using his momentum to leap higher than everyone else for putbacks.
Four offensive rebounds in 20 minutes confirm the eye test—Craig was relentless on the glass.
#8 - Jordan Walsh is finding a role
As a young player still developing, it’s difficult to carve out a role in the NBA, especially when most minutes come in garbage time. Yet, whenever Walsh is called upon, he brings the expected energy. Yes, he still makes mistakes, but that’s part of the learning process.
Defensively, he has shown potential as an on-ball stopper, though his off-ball awareness still needs work. His rotations can be erratic, but when he’s matched up on the ball, his defensive upside is evident.
Offensively, his impact is harder to define. Since his shot isn’t yet respected and his handle isn’t strong enough to create off the dribble, where can he add value? The answer: screening and movement.
He could take inspiration from Toumani Camara, whom he faced two nights ago. Camara found a role by setting screens and playing in short-roll situations—something wings typically don’t do, but it works.
If Walsh embraces this “connector” role, it could be his ticket to staying on the floor.
#9 - Derrick White breaks his teeth, again
How is that even possible? Well, because White was supposed to replace his temporary teeth two weeks ago—but never did. And because of bad luck.
#10 - This weekend, the Lakers come to town
Right after the game, attention turned to Saturday’s matchup. The Lakers, who recently acquired a young European guard full of potential, will face the Celtics in another chapter of the NBA’s biggest rivalry.
When asked about it, Jayson Tatum said he considers Eastern teams bigger rivals since they face them more often. But there’s no doubt this game will be significant. Since Luka Dončić’s arrival, the Lakers have been one of the league’s best teams, boasting an elite defense despite losing Anthony Davis.
Last time, they forced the Celtics into tough shots. Without Davis, their game plan will change, but one thing is certain—this will be must-watch basketball.