How the Celtics shut down Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant shot 32 percent from the floor in the first 2 games against the Celtics in their 2022 NBA playoff matchup. How has the Celtics defense, led by coach Ime Udoka, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum and their supporting cast held Durant in check? This film room study details Boston's defensive scheme and Durant's struggles in Game 1 and 2.
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Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball

[@AMHoops]

Anyone who says "defense is all about effort" needs to watch this video. So much of it is about scheme and everyone acting as a unit. Brilliant.

[@BigA678]

Good defense is about effort. Great defense is about effort and schemes. Effort is the foundation, that's what people mean.

[@AMHoops]

@@BigA678 Fair enough, if that’s what people mean.

[@BigA678]

@@AMHoops sometimes you have to read in between the lines

[@Jay23MV]

100% agree you can even see when Durant got the pick around 5:16 Grant blew the assignment by not letting Theis slide back . one of his only decent looks

[@sprituallyequipeped6885]

​@@AMHoops lol as I was watching this video i thought about your predictions on how the NBA playoffs would go, and how Brooklyn would win since Robert Willams was injured. Hilarious to see you here. nice videos btw I watch them all and God Bless

[@ith8514]

I've never seen KD get locked down like this its crazy. That first quarter of the first game was ridiculous.

[@princetotx6705]

Steph - playoff choker Klay - glorified Danny green Draymond - Triple single king Poole - not better than tht Wiggins - worst all star ever If warriors win it would be the MOST IMPRESSIVE title of all time

[@benh9935]

Warriors did something similar to him in 2016.

[@ZioComposite]

Last time really was 2016 against GSW. I hope KD appreciates his time with GSW more.

[@Christopher._M]

I have seen him struggle like this. Go watch some of his OKC series. Everyone has these type of struggles. If you go watch kobe you will find more of these anyone else.

[@Christopher._M]

@@benh9935 it was to a lesser extent.

[@bvidude8064]

Al Horford may be one of the most underrated players in NBA the last 20 years. Celtics were not the same mentally when he left. And they're totally different now with his leadership ability to keep guys focused and grounded.

[@LAC32Griffin]

Big facts

[@johnnyappleseed6889]

Jimmy Butler type beat

[@hawks6805]

sixers didn’t know how to use him

[@deraokoli7746]

@@hawks6805 he’s also not a great shooter. So having him on the court with pre-superstar embiid, Ben Simmons and jimmy butler was ugly on offense

[@ALostExplorer]

I'd pay a small fortune to get a Thinking Basketball video that focuses just on him, particularly his career since playing for Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta.

[@anvithkotha630]

The fact that Steph averaged 30 on great efficiency against a defense of this caliber is crazy

[@therealjay178]

It wasn’t the same defense tho their coach would tell you that they let curry go one on one they didn’t let kd do that they sent 2 or 3 guys at him every time

[@fifaroulette]

@@therealjay178 okay boston fan

[@djkai459]

@@fifaroulette it really isnt about him being a boston fan anybody with eyes can see that Boston was disrespecting curry by doing drop coverage

[@binary]

@@therealjay178 Actually they let KD go one on one a TON, they just used their physicality to beat him up off ball, as the video shows. Why? Because KD has a weak base and a suspect handle.

[@sukumarsahoo6075]

@@djkai459 They had Horford/Theis at the 3pt line in both series, just because that's called a drop coverage because Steph shoots 30ft out, doesn't mean it's any less intense defense. The main problem here is Durant can't punish doubles like Steph can, and Steph knows how to play with non shooters on the floor unlike most stars.

[@AAthurskiii]

It’s pretty incredible man. KD is getting the Curry treatment but doesn’t have the motion in the team offense to give him any freedom of movement

[@Grievous_]

Yea and Curry exploits these defenses because he passes the ball the second they double him, and he’s just way quicker than Durant and then the fact that he moves off ball better than anyone else makes it so much more harder for these type of defenses

[@dinho5174]

@@Grievous_ being taller has some disadvantages, Curry is smaller so he can move his body way quicker than Durant, that helps when he is trying to change directions and misguide his defender

[@emkast8257]

Hes not used to being matched with same length in taytum like everyone else has to deal with in a regular lol. Not as skilled as we thought when matched in height

[@where3639]

@@emkast8257 You're wrong and the Bucks vs Nets series last playoffs proves it. KD was killing Giannis and Brook Lopez in isolation every time. It's not a match in height but rather a team full of lengthy athletic players that's required to stop him.

[@akshyadeep2222]

I think what it all comes down to is that KD isn't a generational playmaker and the celtics are gambling on it.He has always leaned more towards scoring.You don't see cross court skip passes from KD to the weak side.

[@yashsolanki589]

There is absolutely no ball movement in Nets offence. It’s just KD and Kyrie iso. Both of them are not really great playmakers and Boston has taken complete advantage of such a terrible roster situation.

[@stoneman1850]

ISO gang

[@JaeGlizzay]

exactly they use no pin downs or anything to free up durant for better looks

[@WONtothaG]

Nets Offense System is a one trick pony. ISO ball.

[@orangetweleve]

@@stoneman1850 I read this in djmeechymeech's voice lol

[@PROA55]

Its so true. Even with a supporting cast that can help on that offensive load, it feels like Steve Nash holds the team back from its full potential.

[@bapareyneverstops1194]

2x mvp at GSW because of stephs unselfishness and leadership.... kd owes his 2 mvps to steph ......steph is just greatness personified.....

[@mmmcccoc6457]

can't fucking agree more

[@3ricthe127]

Man you haters just like to discredit KD so much it’s just funny at this point😂

[@MrSiloterio]

@@3ricthe127 just as funny as KD lovers trying to protect their boyfriend.

[@3ricthe127]

@@MrSiloterio lmao sure haha you just can’t admit that KD was the best player on that team

[@MrSiloterio]

@@3ricthe127 oh yes was. he's so good he got swept by the celtics in round 1.

[@samuelsmith9582]

I'm glad you made this. So many people talking like KD was just falling apart and not giving Boston any credit was driving me bonkers.

[@SL-pg4dh]

They do that with all superstars. It's hero worshipping. It's the same with LeBron and the mavs.

[@MrSPIDEY21]

Sooo why is Steph killin

[@MrSPIDEY21]

Steph is dealing with this same exact defense and he’d made them adjust. They don’t play up on the switch because he’s a much better passer and they don’t sit back because he’s the greatest shooter ever. This proves that Steph is simply just better than Kevin Durant.

[@Classiclogicego]

@@MrSPIDEY21 steph doesn’t get guarded how kd was guarded and it’s a completely different system

[@MrSPIDEY21]

@@Classiclogicego he’s getting guarded the exact same way maybe even worse he’s just better. Kd was driving into traps and forcing shit. He also wasn’t finding the open man. Steph is just better at reading and finding openings. Cut the BS. Watch game 4 and watch film on KD and tell me how much DIFFERENT Steph is guarded?

[@sponko]

“The best way to play defense is to not let your player get the ball” - Mikal Bridges

[@princetotx6705]

Steph - playoff choker Klay - glorified Danny green Draymond - Triple single king Poole - not better than tht Wiggins - worst all star ever If warriors win it would be the MOST IMPRESSIVE title of all time

[@MrE_]

@@princetotx6705 so you are a warriors fan I see

[@matt3260]

@@princetotx6705 most impressive lmao ya sure

[@r.lo3ding766]

@@princetotx6705 u so wrong about this

[@r.lo3ding766]

@@princetotx6705 tell me when curry lost a playoffs since 2015.

[@maxpeng9641]

On a real note, somebody ought to give Ben Taylor his flowers for uploading such INCREDIBLE content at such a fast and consistent rate recently. From the Jordan Poole video to herb jones and now KD, this man is a straight legend.

[@pudge-yp6by]

he really is brilliant

[@borism.3773]

I would love to see similar analysis of some old footage, like for example Sonics' defense on Jordan.

[@dusk6159]

I'm so grateful to have the greatest analyst, Ben and his TB channel, along with those 4 incredible guys at TNT. The man Ben is invaluable, great stuff. We're lucky.

[@dusk6159]

@@borism.3773 I would love that, or each Rodman's Finals defense analysis.

[@zerocal76]

Great comment! Let's appreciate Ben's hard work and content bc sooner or later, he could get recruited by an NBA team like the other bball coach KZbinr. Forgot his name but he works for the Mavs now

[@shaoiliu]

Would love to see a finals with this kind of Boston defense vs the Warrior's new death lineup and 6th man of the year Steph Curry.

[@Bahameno]

🤞🏾

[@ameerdahbour8794]

The Warriors ball movement and motion will fare much better than the Nets but it'll be interesting

[@du2thurl42]

@@ameerdahbour8794 yea especially becuase robert williams will be fullly back by then so you really get to see how he fared in the pick and roll. i think the heat have the best defense for the warriors they are a bit more switchable then the crltics

[@epicexperiment7713]

I would love to see the Celtics defense vs Bucks defense. After today’s game

[@Abhiram-nb8yk]

@@du2thurl42 the small lineup will absolutely demolish bigger guys in matchups, but they cant defend the celtics very well either. must watch matchup

[@shobandeolasehinde9167]

Curry was getting this same treatment when he had Durant which freed up Durant so much. Crazy how people try to minimize curry during those championship runs.

[@manz7860]

People really are mad a 6'3 lightskin is taking down their favorite players 🤣

[@samraizshoaib585]

No, they did not. Its just easier to guard Steph than KD.

[@jesseashmore8426]

What's scary is the Celtics came back from 17 down and Tatum only scored 19 points. That says a lot about how good this team is.

[@uuh4yj43]

tatum has been as valuable as a defender as he has been as a primary option, the team deserves credit but he has been putting on work making winning plays on both sides of the ball, his versatility is an underrated defensive weapon the celtics have on top of being a team composed of smart and capable defenders, whenever they need to plug a gap tatum can do it against the nets most effective forms of offense without giving anything in size and agility

[@PX02]

What scary is 2 games were close while successfully defending KD

[@kid_eisenhorn9438]

@@PX02 Not really, Celtics just outplayed the Nets. Nets really aren't scary lol, the Celtics won by 10 points so it wasn't that close anymore

[@THEEck5000]

The Celtics and the Warriors have been the best teams to watch for at least 3 years because of the team ball. If it wasn’t for LeBron being out of his mind in that 2018 finals run, the Celtics would’ve faced the warriors and it would’ve been a good series

[@LookingForAName...]

@@uuh4yj43 Nobody says that Tatum is bad because he only scored 19, just that the roster is deep and very versatile. They can all defend and offense can come from multiple players. Beautiful team.

[@emmanuelmoses7249]

The beauty of modern day defense, being able to pack the lanes and zone up while still playing man defense..

[@MrBonzeMedal]

A bunch of 6’4 to 6’9 guys causing chaos. You can see it with Boston, Toronto, GSW, Memphis, Milwaukee and Phoenix. The versatility is insane. Ironically I’d say KD might’ve been the breaking point. A big who can handle the ball, shoot, guard the perimeter and be a rim protector.

[@darnellwilliams8783]

Chris R what y'all talking about this ain't defense Boston is fouling KD and Boston refs do nothing

[@tim.noonan]

@@darnellwilliams8783 cope

[@Blaze8910]

@@darnellwilliams8783 Huge L KD shot 20 free throws last game and still got clapped.

[@psychedelicpsychosis6954]

@@darnellwilliams8783 those refs aren't "Boston refs" . they aren't from Boston or only reffing Boston home games. they ref in other cities throughout the regular season.

[@crimzonmist7141]

Shout out to LOW for pointing this out. They're sitting on his right and forcing him left. His left is significantly worse than his right. His counter is usually to pull up, but they're getting into his body. Like 90 percent of his turnovers are with his left. That's freaking wild.

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

Put it this way if Brooklyn was going against Atlanta right now Kevin would be having 50 points a game and Steve Nash would look like the best coach. The media needs to give the Celtics more credit it’s because of their defense why Kevin is not playing that great.

[@enthusiastofcute]

The only other times I can think of we’re KD was shut down like this was 2013 series against Memphis without Westbrook and games 5 - 7 against the Warriors in 2016.

[@Tbonedoesfsx]

KD is seeing the ghost of Tony Allen out there

[@ritsuboii2130]

Where* how are these people not spelling these words right?

[@enthusiastofcute]

@@ritsuboii2130 autocorrect sucks

[@vedanshpandey8132]

even his 2010 series against the Lakers was pretty bad. However, to be fair he was very young then

[@enthusiastofcute]

@@vedanshpandey8132 yup, plus getting matched up with Artest was a helluva way to get welcomed to the post season

[@MrBonzeMedal]

I definitely never expected a 33 year old KD to beat guys off the dribble with regularity. But the fact that he’s getting knocked off balance so much and can’t rise up comfortably for his mid range is shocking. Boston’s length and scheme were the worst possible matchup for this version of Brooklyn that lacks consistent spacing.

[@Christopher._M]

He has lost a step or two. It shows when he tries to drive and go on a fast break. He needs to play off the ball and catch and shoot. He's used to do that a lot in his early days so he should be able to do it. The problem here is nash. The man is doing a horrible job as a coach.

[@jDiddyi]

@@Christopher._M yeah something is up with him. I expect the young athletic celtics to give him trouble, but he's absolutely slower than before. Possibly a lingering injury, or just time?

[@Christopher._M]

@@jDiddyi I would say it's both the injury and age. Athletes today's seem to last a bit longer but they still are going through the same cycle as previous athletes. KD is 33 and that is the age when you are starting to lose noticable stamina and acceleration. Now he's facing young players with their stamina and acceleration at their peak. He won't be able to compete against them anymore when it comes to speed and acceleration. KD needs to add some muscle. Muscle becomes rigid in your 30's so that's where he has an advantage on compared to younger players. With some muscle he can probably bully them. I wouldn't even be surprised If his acceleration improved a bit because as he currently looks I am pretty confident he has under developed fast twitch muscles.

[@MrBonzeMedal]

@@Christopher._M it wouldn’t even matter if he moved off ball because Boston has committed to keeping three players on him. Bruce Brown/Kessler Edwards and Claxton/Drummond being non scoring threats kills the Nets spacing.

[@CK-ti2mf]

@@Christopher._M it will be hard on the knee and ligaments if he puts on weight though, which a lot of times will yield injury.

[@georganatoly6646]

makes you appreciate gsw championship even more

[@coledorillo6685]

The talent level and coaching in the modern game is so ridiculously high, respects to the Celtics coaching staff and the players for being able to execute

[@OGSauceDaddy]

6:35 is incredible defensive communication. Tatum goes over the pick without ever seeing it. His team called it out

[@artisstreet1747]

I remember in 2017 when the C's were trying to create a robust defensive culture, but our star guards were woeful on defense. Now that we've cut out defensive weaknesses, the we've finally caught up to our defensive potential!

[@purplegreenbeans57]

No longer have to hide anyone, i.e. with IT and Kemba so that’s a great point

[@eliyarrows2456]

@@purplegreenbeans57 even kyrie too, it feels like they just waited until smart finally reached his offensive playmaking potential and now their chemistry and defense is other worldly

[@purplegreenbeans57]

@@eliyarrows2456 Well said man, totally agree

[@simongalecki9645]

Tatum, Brown, Al, Rob, Smart, Grant, White are all great defenders and arguably the only weak links on defense are Theis and Pritchard and those two have been hustling hard on defense. This might be the most complete defensive team since the 2004 Detroit Pistons and definitely a championship worthy defense

[@t4d0W]

@@simongalecki9645 Even if the opposing team attack Theis and Pritchard, the C's lineup won't have them out for too long and would have others to step up in the mean time. It really is night and day when opposing teams can't single out a Celtics starter to target at the perimeter. That means the C's don't have to overhelp anymore when someone like Kemba is getting terrorized on a matchup switch. At the very least they know this is very sustainable in the playoffs and if Time Lord can return, he's going to be a boost by the 2nd round.

[@eleeolaup5604]

KD experienced the daily life of Steph in every game, the difference is Durant struggling but Curry is still effective almost in every game he played. Shout out to all KD's fans saying he carried Steph way back when they still play together.

[@ghettoveterano]

Steph carried him instead

[@kdsmindset5484]

@@ghettoveterano fmvps?

[@footballnews1439]

@@ghettoveterano keep deceiving yourself man.

[@meetra5073]

@@kdsmindset5484 you do realize the main reason he had those amazing stats is because teams focused on curry and not durant right? Having curry on the court made life easy for durant. If you saw the finals you know what happens when curry is guarded like other players

[@kdsmindset5484]

@@meetra5073 because lebron was supposed to be guarding kd in 17

[@Milo0610]

KD waking up to warriors annihilated Celtics and became a champion again.

[@dilly2023]

Lmaoo

[@varunatic1832]

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are all-defensive caliber players. Most underrated defenders tbh

[@t4d0W]

The Clippers mortgaged the farm to claim one of the best 2-way wing combinations to run the playoffs (if healthy) but the results are not there. The C's just had to wait for their two young wings to be strong two-way players come playoff time. Also helps they have great defenders and playmakers flanked around them too. The shooting issue hasn't posed a problem so far. If in fact I like that the C's instinctively just bully their way to the rim when they have the matchup (even Smart vs Irving/Brown at the perimeter). Put the Nets in foul trouble and make them pick their poison when it comes who to stick on match ups.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

They are jackals on D. People don't understand man. I watch all the games. They give you nothing and both are hard 2 beat 1 on 1 off the dribble. Brown gas guarded Joel and done well in the 4th quarter. They play serious d

[@lxwj7101]

Pure hoopers

[@jamesglass8883]

You add in Marcus Smart, RWIII, and Horford? Straight up suffocation, all those guys could get some level of all-nba defense

[@matthewvaughan8192]

Half of the team is all-defensive calibre, or at least playing like it now. Smart, Tatum, Brown, both Williams, Horford.

[@jessejamesgames8148]

Grant Williams needs more love. This guy is guarding KD straight up well and is also asked to guard guys like Jokic who is the mvp this season. The only guy ive seen guard Jokic better this season is Draymond. Grant has developed so well!

[@dusk6159]

Even more incredible is that the man did this from the literal bottom, he came back in a year despite performing pretty terrible on defense (plus having a bad three point shot too). Ironically, a-la his own Celtics team. He is now a perfect defender to have on your floor and he's lethal from three too. Grant brings major damage.

[@williamwooten8019]

GRANT is the unsung hero of this Celtic team. Watching him shoot that 3 is like watching an ENTIRELY new athlete. He deserves more shine fr

[@michaeldarby6240]

This is an excellent breakdown of the game. Because you’re giving the question and the answer.💯

[@wbotti]

one of the best defensive breakdown vids ever. FANTASTIC JOB !!

[@esiree6647]

This why I love playoff basketball more than the regular season because you can tell players play harder

[@t4d0W]

Lotta things change. Shot creators who can score difficult and varied baskets become kings over your hyper efficient 3&D play styles that was killing the regular season defenses. Teams who have the lineups to fight the postseason amp up their intensity and really make their presence known.

[@skillethead15]

I just think it’s stupid that this is considered basketball lol. All they are doing is pushing and blocking KD like it’s a wrestling match. There’s a reason the NBA changed the rules in the early 2000s because that stuff leads to ugly games that don’t look like basketball anymore. The Celtics realized they can’t win the skill game so they decided to become the Bad Boys Celtics.

[@herozero7484]

@@skillethead15 🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦

[@sharonbrent6919]

@@skillethead15 YOU SO RIGHT

[@skillethead15]

@@herozero7484 I’m just saying man, the way these Celtics are playing reminds me of the Isaiah, Dumars and Laimbeer Pistons. They realized they couldn’t beat Jordan by just playing regular ball so they decided to beat him up. These Celtics are doing this to KD. And it just doesn’t feel or look right.

[@eliyarrows2456]

Tatum has blocked kd 1 on 1 multiple times this series and in game two jaylen brown picked his pocket in 1 on 1 twice. It feels unprecedented in todays game to have two stars who not only buy in on defense but disrupt the best scorer in the game like that

[@dusk6159]

The men solidified why the 2018 Celtics material was best-5/4 teams in the league type of stuff. Loving it.

[@mdabidullah8951]

Kawhi and pg 13

[@johnnyappleseed6889]

If they beat the bucks they 100% going to the finals and 75% chance they win it all

[@rubentimmer4329]

@@johnnyappleseed6889 this didn't age well

[@AmanSingh-bt1rx]

Curry is the best scorer in the game , it's curry LeBron and giannis top 3

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

Chained!! Incredible, INCREDIBLE, video. I love your defensive analysis, especially when you dive into the META, schemes, techniques and history (like you did in the Warriors D. video). Please bring more!!!! Maybe talking about other great defensive teams in the past like Spurs, Knicks and Pistons.

[@highnitro707]

excellent video! one of the most efficient and easy to watch play by play nba breakdowns on YT. Warriors vs Celtics is going to be box office! cant wait!

[@orangetweleve]

A lot of people say that KD might just be the hardest player to guard, and the Celtics found a way to do so 2 times in a row. That's the beauty of basketball man, you never really know what's gonna happen, nothing is impossible.

[@david.tousignant20]

That's the beauty of Celtics defenses. The thing is, against a great passer, you can't play like that, you'll be picked apart pretty quickly. But, against the Nets... that's the perfect approach. The coaching staff did their homework.

[@bryanttisdale2446]

This is why players like Rodman and Oakley said it would be way different these players playing in there era. It's tiring to get roughed up all game long . Your shooting percentage will not be what it is in this era and your scoring Avg also . Real Hard defense is like getting hits and pressure on a NFL QB it will effect even the best.

[@mve5758]

@@bryanttisdale2446 when talking about their* era, are you referring to the 80s or 90s? Cause until 94 teams scored 103-110 ppg on 2s and freethrows.

[@bryanttisdale2446]

@@mve5758 yeah in 90's. The Bulls held Utah Jazz to 54 pts in the Finals....😶‍🌫️. That's Defense. 98' Finals. To be able to body , bang a player makes a Defense from just running to get a hand in the players face .

[@MrDarkx1000]

I actually kinda find this ironic given that a week or so ago KD went on JJ Redicks podcast talking about how better defense won’t stop elite scorers. While KD did get 27 this game 20 of that was FTs. Glad to see that effective defense still exists

[@PROA55]

Tatum's block on KD was just an out of this world type feeling. It finally felt like KD can be stopped.

[@mcmerry2846]

he can't, he is just cold, even before the playoffs

[@sharonbrent6919]

KD CAN'T BE STOP. THEY TRYING TO STOP HIM BY PUTTING DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TEAM ON HIM.

[@PROA55]

@@sharonbrent6919 Most of the time during 1 on 1s he can't be stopped. That's the thing though, why allow him to do that when you can just double team him and let other players do his job.

[@sharonbrent6919]

@@PROA55 BUT THEY TRIPLE KD HOLDING HIM PUSHING HIM GRABBING HIM TO TRY AND STOP HIM. THAT AIN'T NO DEFENSE THEY DOING. THEY WANT TO FAR BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY GONNA BULLY EVERY TEAM TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIP

[@PROA55]

@@sharonbrent6919 No they only triple team h if he's trying to get open, they stop him from even getting the ball at times. The double teams do result in more fouls, but it's working. They've been playing pretty clean for the most part though. The Celtics are an amazing defensive team, but they won't bully their way to a championship. This isn't the Bad Boy Pistons bro😂

[@egordon8]

Watching the extended highlights of games 1 and 2, and seeing the defense and easy, smart ball movement and even a few high level passes of Tatum, there were multiple times where I found myself saying (to myself) "who is this guy?!". He is a wildly different player than he was last year and earlier this year. He's playing with the humility of his rookie year but matched with far advanced skill and understanding of the game. This is the best version of this player and way better than I ever expected him to be.

[@jankuklis7716]

It's just such a treat to watch Grant Williams play. He is just the perfect roleplayer. Not to mention his astronomical improvements. In 3 years, he went from like 28% on threes and 60% on freethrows to 41% and 91% respectively. Dude could go for 50/40/90 next season.

[@dominiquejones3805]

He gets it out the mud

[@King-cv6mn]

This is the most beautiful defense I’ve ever seen. An absolutely legendary team.

[@draw0833]

The Celtics have always been an incredible defensive team

[@99alfailiwaqain51]

Lol

[@sharonbrent6919]

THAT'S AIN'T KNOW DEFENSE THEY TRYING TO HURT KD

[@Parsa-je1vd]

@@sharonbrent6919 soft and salty, they're being physical nothing dirty

[@SL-pg4dh]

Raptors, heat play similar Defense

[@eliyarrows2456]

I love how physical they are with him, they understand it’s the playoffs so they can get away with more and kd looks flat out gassed at points in the game. Rj barret said on the kk reddick podcast “if all five guys are fouling it’s tough for the refs to call a foul on an individual play”

[@t4d0W]

That is how a defensive team is suppose to be in the playoffs in this modern era. They can easily take away the first option of match up hunting. So the opposing offense has come with a different and effective approach or they are slowly going to get cut off from their efficient baskets.

[@sharonbrent6919]

KD IS GUARDED LIKE THEY DID MJ BACK IN THE DAY'S. THEY TRIED TO HURT JORDAN AND THEY TRYING TO HURT KD

[@nikolairose2739]

@@sharonbrent6919 Nah not really from what I've seen it's just good tough defense. KD is just weak tbh so it looks like it should be a foul, but it's simply that we've forgotten that strength also matters in basketball.

[@Senbonzakuraaaapp]

@@sharonbrent6919 they arnt really hurting KD,just giving him bumps everywhere they go which can be exhausting and KD runs into them knowing they would cut off his path,truely a hellish defense for KD.Part of it is how fast and strong the Celtics players are

[@mortredtp]

@@sharonbrent6919 LOOK AT HOW WARRIORS GOT DEMOLISHED BY CELTICS' DEFENSE IN THE REGULAR SEASON, THEY DID IT ALSO TO KD. YES, TECHNIQUE IS ALSO ESSENTIAL, HOWEVER, STRENGTH IS STILL IN THE PODIUM. IN ORDER TO COUNTER CELTICS' PHYSICALITY, SOME SHOULD SUCK IT UP.

[@yaboybenz]

Thank you SOOO much for this. All of the coverage of NBA is about their personal lives or how loudmouths feel about the players. All i want is basketball coverage in between the lines.

[@codyashworth7470]

I was concerned about Bostons performance without robert williams . Seems like i didn't need to worry

[@TheMissinLink]

Nets don’t pressure the rim a ton so him being out definitely isn’t as big of an issue as it would be against other matchups.

[@codyashworth7470]

@@TheMissinLink i suppose your right.

[@Christopher._M]

You definitely should worry. Both games could have gone to the nets. If nash can learn how to adjust this will turn to a completely different game.

[@travisgang17]

Robert Williams wasn't name defensive player of the year. It been Marcus for the past four years. That's why I know people don't watch or know the celtics team. They go by what the commentators say. I knew the first game was brooklyn last chance to win. Second game shows even more that boston has and always will be a threat in the east. It comes down to who want it more.

[@arvinbaragani8886]

@@Christopher._M Well we all know nash isn't going to do anything

[@starkk19]

KD definitely getting the Curry treatment. Any defender he comes across just impedes and bumps him. Only difference between KD and Curry is, Curry has a good team offense and is one of the best players at off-ball movement - something Durant simply isn't good at. Another thing that was exposed with Durant is his lack of playmaking abilities. He's too used to just shooting over defenders that he didn't need to pass.

[@phil6576]

He was in basketball heaven when he was playing with curry. Imagine having 2 players that need constant checking and double team. Not to mention being surrounded by other high IQ players and an all time great shooter in klay.

[@alliesstartedww1308]

kd cant move like curry , pass like curry , court vision not like curry

[@tinm.8226]

@Marcus Middleton Boston is prepared.

[@londonjennings9608]

@Marcus Middleton Boston is dat good when it comes to defense they think strategic

[@SL-pg4dh]

@Marcus Middleton Disciplined teams do this all the time, especially in the playoffs.

[@frans.nadeak]

Thank you Thinking Basketball!

[@pranavmanie1479]

Incredible video! One thing that really seemed to help Boston's comeback is some really lovely passing by both Tatum and Brown. Historically, they've not been the smartest playmakers. But clearly, they've upped their game in that aspect.

[@dustinjames8529]

You need an award for the editing The smooth transition from modern basketball to the 2008 Finals is terrific

[@svj5089]

KD gonna need to become more of a playmaker this series theres no choice. The iso ball not gonna work, at least the Nets have multiple 40% three point shooters.

[@willgreig4077]

I think he can he did it in the Bucks series the big problem is how stagnant the Nets system is and I doubt Nash is going to adjust to fix it

[@svj5089]

@@willgreig4077 Hopefully he can step up his passing but hes never really been the best passer, they wouldve really benefitted from having Harden on the team still

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@svj5089 Averaged 6.4 assists a game this season.

[@svj5089]

@@NikoBellic20080 Ye hes a decent passer he can get you a couple assists but hes never really been that great. if you compare him to guys like Trae, Luka, Jokic, CP3, Harden their court vision is just on another level. even in this video its highlighted that KDs court vision isnt really that great. Im pretty sure with the defensive attention kd is getting in this series and the shooters the nets have guys like CP3, Trae, Harden, Luka, Jokic would easily get 7-10 assists a game.

[@uuh4yj43]

@@svj5089 its not even the assists, he makes the right pass sometimes but even watching this video you can see him missing easy passes for great shots, durant makes bread and butter reads but he cant playmake for higher value shots, since he has kinda narrow vision and does mostly reactive reads that dont pressure the defense a lot. If he was just hitting kyrie for catch and shoots more often(and kyrie didnt just decide to dribble the air out the ball) he'd be more open more often

[@btetirick]

This is a great example of a defense tailor made for the specific team it was facing. The interesting part will be seeing how the defense adapts once it's facing a different style of offense. I'm looking forward to it.

[@murrayjp8]

You do great work Ben Taylor. Keep it up.

[@nmzhoops]

Another thing not mentioned is the lack of variation when KD attempts to deliver those passes when trapped. Watch the Warriors game this season at Barclays it’s eerily similar anytime he’s trapped he banks on his height to pass over the top. Boston has hard scouted that and have their hands up high, tracking anytime he attempts to pass. They’re also doing a tremendous job pushing him to his left hand where he’s a dramatically less impressive passer and where his moves to get into his pull up aren’t quite as sharp. Finally, he’s putting minimal pressure on the rim bc he can’t build momentum off ball screen when they are switched and the lack of burst isn’t allowing him to beat guys off the dribble. 0 made shots in the restricted area through 2 games.

[@Questionsoftheday]

So you consider him a good passer when he uses his right, and below average, when he uses his left, correct?

[@nmzhoops]

@@Questionsoftheday yup

[@mrhoopfan1]

Doesn't get to the rim

[@SL-pg4dh]

@@nmzhoops Not only did he not make many shots at the rim, he didn't even attempt many. He's become so addicted to that midrange, It makes it easier for the Celtics to scheme against him, since they all know he's looking for the midrange. They were just basically sending him to the crowd and timing his last dribble and sending the double team

[@Stingraeee]

At start the season, i never thought Grant Williams gonna be that physical this season😅

[@rrcastillo9973]

Grant can also lock out Jokic...thats why he called himself Batman

[@uuh4yj43]

well hes the stocky draymond/ tucker archetype, he is versatile and strong enough to bother most players on any switch

[@dusk6159]

He completely turned it around and proved he's one of the valuable ones, putting his tools to use. Great role player to have, he's doing crucial stuff in the Playoffs.

[@uuh4yj43]

@@dusk6159 i wish there was a role player all nba team or something to recognize these kind of guys

[@jamesglass8883]

Any celtics fan will tell you he was on the fence before this season. but he always had that elite defender ceiling, and it finally seems like he's reaching it. or close to it. shades of draymond for sure

[@Iloveyorkencole]

This might be the most I’ve ever anticipated a video on this channel ever. I clicked on it so fast 😅

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@bannanemisketv7005]

I was looking forward to your breakdown. I've never seen Durant so bothered before. It's slightly different from Milwaukee the year before. The past year, Bucks played a One man Defense by Tucker. He's a good defender but the lack of size, allow KD to get to his sweet spots. Even Durant said they didn't defend him well in that series. He said they were opting for "he can't beat us by himself " .

[@uuh4yj43]

well in the end he couldnt, this time they are betting "they cant beat us without him" and they might be right

[@Koolaccel]

KD was doubled a lot in that Bucks series. It wasn never just solely Tucker guarding him. KD had been played this for most of his career.

[@mcmerry2846]

Durant isnt getting locked down at all, he is just in a bad shooting streak even before the playoffs...

[@jtellis653]

@@mcmerry2846 he’s getting locked down. Lol stop trying to make excuses KD himself even said they’re playing him well yet here some of y’all are trying to discredit the Celtics defense and act like it’s Durant missing shots more than anything. Get real

[@mcmerry2846]

@@jtellis653 he is missing open shots. And missing shots he is usually scoring without issues

[@TranquilAura77]

Best basketball analytical youtube channel out here

[@shobandeolasehinde9167]

The difference between steph and Durant is the range of steph and handles he has to take on any defender.

[@beesong2450]

love your content man. the analysis is spot on. you are at the upper echelon of nbatubers.

[@JackOBee29]

Defense and 4th quarter execution is winning games in this playoff season. Guys are running and flying around out there. I love it. High level basketball for sure.

[@hmn166]

The best content in basketball 🏀. Keep it up, man.

[@scottwinn5043]

I'll never get tired of your videos

[@BennyC023]

I would really love to see a video on the Memphis-Minnesota series. Lot's of the people on TNT and all that haven't been giving valuable input on the basketball played in the series, only their feelings about players. With game 1 wolves on top all game, to a game 2 blowout, to a wild game 3 back and forth. I'm sure there's so much happening in this series that can be broken down, and I'd love to hear your input and insight on whats happened so far!

[@whois-iv5bv]

Exactly!

[@michaelahurt]

2:14 this is why Smart is DPOY. The awareness and positioning here to help off Kevin Durant (!) to take away the drive while maintaining leverage to deny the pass AND staying balanced so he can recover to the shooter if needed -- that is textbook. Absolute perfection. And he does it routinely.

[@esoypongasi6150]

As his name suggests "SMART".

[@juliansearcie1758]

Flopper

[@slowchingbraden2473]

I love the way you explain the game as someone who has only been watching for about 2 seasons thank you 🙏🙏

[@KiwiKoNZ]

This series is freakin epic man! … Awesome breakdown dude 😏👍✨

[@st.toussaint4632]

Great in-depth video! Im a celtics fan, and this series has been great for us lol!

[@wat5709]

Really well done by the Cs. This is the man widely considered to be the most unguardable player in the league, maybe of all time. And Boston found a way to do something no other team could. Will they keep it up is the question though

[@Nebu1acrush]

Dont see y not

[@uuh4yj43]

i mean this is THE team to guard durant i think, they have all the right defensive pieces and their defense this year as a team has been phenomenal, great players like durant will probably end up finding a way to score anyway but in the end the longer the nets are spinning their wheels trying to make it work the more pressure the nets have to deal with, if he figures this out next game they might end up competitive but if he only figures it out in game 4 or 5 it might end up being too late. i dont think the other guys in the nets can beat the celtics without durant performing. They should take a page off the celtics book and prioritize their distributing over self creation

[@wat5709]

@@Nebu1acrush you never know with KD. It’s not the celtic’s game plan that Im worried about, this is Kevin Durant we’re talking about. He could drop 50 the next game

[@Trixxx4dayz]

Warriors did this in 2016

[@t4d0W]

@@wat5709 I mean if he does he does and the C's just move on to the next game. But so far Durant is LABORING to take advantage of heat checks and can't easily turn on the jets for an easy 40+ like he did vs pedantic defenses in the regular season.

[@MrEtanaka]

These two games exposes KD's biggest weakness, he cannot punish defenses with his passing. Subpar vision and unwillingness to pass are always punished by good defensive teams. Just double the star. It worked on early Jordan Bulls, 2008 Kobe, and so on, because you know they are shooting in the majority of those situations, wich are difficult shoots to make. Althogh they hit some of those because they are that good.

[@jamalwalker]

Yep this is why Jordan increased his playmaking in the 88/89 seasons and why the lakers decided to get more playmakers in 09

[@NikoBellic20080]

Two game sample size lol

[@MrEtanaka]

@@NikoBellic20080 just watch any OKC playoff games against GSW. I have a better ideia, just watch KD peak video on this channel. KD was never known for playmaking. I'm not saying that KD is bad or anything. I do believe he will be awsome in the rest of the series. But I strongly believe that playmaking is the worst part of KD offensive package. Cause beside that, he is a complete scorer

[@MrEtanaka]

@@jamalwalker exactly, when Jordan learned to trust his teammates, he took the Bulls to another level

[@MrEtanaka]

@JayGoCrazy I agree. Phil, alongside Jerry Krause and Tex Winter harnessed all of Michael Jordan's potential. The triangle offense was an awsome way for him to be a part of the offense, not the entire offense. That way, sharing the ball, made impossible for teams like the Bad Boy Pistons to stop the Bulls

[@rainerunsinn7952]

superb analysis - great work !

[@GiveCreditWhenDue]

Beautiful breakdown 👌🏼 subscribed!

[@RavagHer]

they locked down durant but curry was able to get through it. even with kyrie the nets couldnt do it. thats how dangerous GS is with klay out there and poole/wiggins. they cant just focus on only 2 ppl

[@femmedenise3598]

Just for this team to look deflated going up against GSW.. love it 🥰

[@Quandris]

Absolutely fantastic breakdown, thank you sir.

[@keithwilliams3621]

Great breakdown, appreciate it

[@zekenotzeek]

Yet another great analysis, loved watching the games live and seeing KD be uncomfortable around the defense, shows how much these players have improved

[@AntonGumiran]

Man watching this after the Steph and the warriors dismantled the Celtics defense makes the win much more impressive.

[@williamwooten8019]

Thinking Basketball, very impressive analysis and easy to understand

[@rinemeerzorg606]

I just subscribed. Great breakdown of the game!!!

[@machinegunfattii]

And the Warriors exposed the Celtics defense

[@schuylersoderlind2716]

There’s Graham Stephan, there’s Bill Nye the Science Guy, then there’s Vsauce, AND THEN there’s Thinking Basketball. This guy pumps out the most satisfying content with such clever attention to detail by pointing out what is literally happening before our eyes, but is happening at a pace too fast for us to comprehend. Thank you for making your content in a way that makes us basketball enjoyers feel sophisticated and analytically woke after watching your videos 👌

[@wyattfriend7360]

Yes bro enjoying very much your stuff is so good!

[@lukeremsberg5796]

Can we PLEASE get a breakdown of Udoka’s ATOs + the mini runs that the Celtics consistently went on after timeouts to stop Brooklyn runs. Udoka’s coaching in this series was phenomenal

[@t4d0W]

I really do believe the C's weren't ready in recent years despite knocking at the ECF playoffs door. Smart/Horford have been there since Ainge built a roster for IT to overachieve but it wasn't sustainable long term. Tatum/Brown came into winning situations but they too had to learn what it takes to get to that next level. I still think Tatum's potential offensive output is key but the C's consistent and intense defense along with their size/length/athleticism is sustainable come playoff time. Certain EC playoff teams are going to take that intensity to its limit and I'm ready to see the Celtics rise to that challenge.

[@rainsworth-]

Tatum really improved on his defense. He always gets blown by in the past now he's able to move his feet quite well.

[@riccardobonfirraro6479]

thanks for such a nice analysis

[@precisemind8034]

A defensive symphony.. an absolute masterclass

[@NickPR87]

I'd say their discipline towards sticking with their defensive strategy is the most impressive and successful thing they've done thus far. They've done the opposite of other teams and let Kyrie be the one to try to save them while they keep constant pressure on KD. It also doesn't help that Brooklyn has no half court offensive sets, it's all iso and screens.

[@Kevinschart]

the thing about defense is it doesn't come and go the way offense does. defense is just about effort. The celtics won the first 2 games because they kept fighting on defense. The games were close in the final minutes and that's when the shots started to fall.

[@moto2442]

Biggest Playoff Risers and Fallers of all time? Risers: Ben Taylor

[@floodinmon14]

Thanks for this. Really good breakdown.

[@benhoward9572]

Nobody is talking about the Celtics D on the most skilled duo in league history except you! You earned my follow

[@timathias7605]

It kind of makes you really think who the real MVP was in Golden State during the back to back championships

[@3ricthe127]

Yeah and it was Obviously KD 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Chaos_Nova]

@@3ricthe127 KD will never have a whiff of an NBA finals again. Warriors will win at least another one. His legacy will be that of one who joins the best team for easy chips. Never a bus driver

[@3ricthe127]

@@Chaos_Nova why you hatin on KD😂 at the end of the day his rings and finals mvps are cemented in his legacy and he’ll always be a all time great regardless of if he never makes the finals or if the warriors win another 5 titles😂

[@binary]

@@3ricthe127 Steph was always better than KD.

[@3ricthe127]

@@binary okay and?

[@Mack1231231]

KD needs to hit the weight room after this post season

[@liamcd123]

He looks so lean compared to that clip of him from OKC

[@jaminbuckles7296]

Amazing breakdown!!

[@Scythor]

LOVE this content! A+++

[@anubis4032]

I wanna see this Celtics team stay together for awhile

[@user-wl9ig7yb6r]

This only works because of the Celtics personnel and buy-in thanks to Ime Udoka. Most teams aren't willing to get that physical with KD and even if they did, most teams also don't have the size to make it actually bother him. That's what makes the Celtics special, and that's why I think they can win it all.

[@arp_909]

Very envious of this Celtics defense. It is truly epic

[@seanbruck5269]

GREAT VIDEO, SMART MAN

[@alexanderwhite5330]

It’s crazy watching Durant deal with this defense vs Steph

[@binary]

Steph is just better. He's strong as hell now and he can use his handle to get wherever he wants. You have to guard Steph at half court, while KD still relies on midrange.

[@crazymonkayyyt9866]

They didn’t play steph the same way they played KD

[@binary]

@@crazymonkayyyt9866 yup KD is easier to strategize against. He just tries to get to his spots

[@juliansearcie1758]

@@crazymonkayyyt9866 if they did they would've got smoked every game

[@rlserik3751]

@@juliansearcie1758 na , u don’t get it . If you watched the games . The Celtics was changing and planning different game plans for curry, You’ll actually see the Celtics doing the same thing they did to kd on curry , only difference is curry can get to his spots Better , moves off the ball faster , a TEAM PLAYER. Everytime curry got doubled teamed , he either hit a shot and gets a foul or goes inside the paint (since the team be so scared of curry 3 pt. Like curry is not just a 1 dimensional player , he can literally do everything on the court

[@david109]

More proof that Curry was the most important player on the Warriors. Durant needs Curry not the other way around and Kyrie has nothing on Curry. Celtics defense can't stop Curry unlike Durant so it's safe to say that Curry is currently the best offensive player in the league.

[@3ricthe127]

When 75% of the time you’re running off double screens for catch and shoot 3s idk if that’s considered the best offensive player in the league lol KD can get his shot off whenever and wherever and has great ball handling so imo I think he would still be the best player from an offensive standpoint

[@david109]

@@3ricthe127 Offense is more than just 1 on 1. Steph is far more valuable than KD on offense from a team standpoint which is why Steph is thriving without KD meanwhile KD is struggling without Steph. KD can't get his shot off whenever and wherever as exposed by the Celtics. Did you even watch this video lol?

[@MrSiloterio]

@@david109 he didn't watch it since he cannot accept KD get swept by the same team that was obliterated by Steph in 6 games.

[@jasonmoukala8909]

@@MrSiloteriowas it really obliterating if it went to 6 games

[@durppp]

Ben and Coach Nick out here making thousands into basketball geniuses

[@GTapelive]

Dammmmn... This was good shit... Can't wait to see how kd responds. Definitely got the clamps on yo

[@timmyg831]

I love great defense. Finally I’m seeing a team in this era play tough defense. I’m telling you, a lot of the elite players today (like Durant and Harden) will not be so great in the ‘80s and ‘90s when it was very physical.

[@SeymourBeats]

Obviously considering Celtics were playing very physical with Durant and he kinda just backed off cause he was scared to get injured again. I saw the man checking on his mcl/cal and Achilles everytime the Celtics hit his leg which was about 20 times during those series. They do that on purpose to make him back off

[@bobbyvalentino6773]

@@SeymourBeats Wow

[@johnniehutton3852]

Lol it’s one series 🤦🏻‍♂️ the defenders in the 80s and 90s were no where near as athletic and strong as these guys let’s be real

[@timmyg831]

@@johnniehutton3852 …You must be kidding lol. 😆The best defenders come from that era. Rodman, Jordan, Pippen, Payton, etc. were some of the most athletic and best perimeter defenders. Olajuwon, Robinson, Mutombo, young Shaq, Mourning, etc. were highly athletic and strong and quickest off their feet to block or foul. You have no idea how physically tough players had to be then. Most players now are pussies. Obviously you’re a teen or millennial.

[@jasonmoukala8909]

@@johnniehutton3852bad take