Do the Celtics need to change their 3-point approach?
The Boston Celtics' three-point shooting approach is under intense scrutiny after a disappointing playoff exit, but the real issue isn't the volume—it's shot quality and offensive consistency. While the team attempted a league-high 46 three-pointers per game in the postseason, hosts Giles and Chris argue that the problem isn't the number of threes, but the lack of high-percentage looks, especially when the ball doesn't find its way into the paint. They highlight that even elite shooters like Derek White struggled with contested, low-quality shots due to poor offensive flow and defensive schemes. The conversation pivots to roster construction: the Celtics’ reliance on perimeter shooting is intentional, but their young role players—like Baylor Shireman and Jordan Walsh—lack the poise to deliver in clutch moments. In contrast, the Knicks’ veteran core, all in their prime, exhibit composure and shot selection under pressure. Chris Mannix suggests a subtle shift: reduce three attempts by 5–6 per game, emphasize post play and free throws, and improve shot profile—not overhaul the offense. The episode concludes with a call for balance: not fewer threes, but better ones, and more reliable role players who can thrive in high-leverage situations. The Celtics aren’t failing because they shoot too many threes—they’re failing because they don’t generate enough high-quality shots when it matters most.
The Celtics don’t take too many threes—what they need is better shot quality, especially when the ball doesn’t penetrate to the paint.
Derek White’s drop in three-point shooting was tied to contested, low-quality looks, not mechanics—mental factors and roster context played a bigger role.
Young role players like Shireman and Walsh lack the poise to deliver in clutch moments, despite solid regular-season shooting.
The Knicks’ success in the Finals stems from veteran composure and a balanced offense—not just shooting, but confidence in high-pressure situations.
Chris Mannix recommends reducing three-point attempts by 5–6 per game and increasing post play and free-throw attempts to improve shot profile.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Three-Point Debate: Why It’s Not About Volume
The hosts open with the Celtics’ post-season frustrations, noting that three-point shooting is the second-biggest topic after roster uncertainty. They argue that the real issue isn’t the number of threes taken, but the quality of the shots—especially when the offense fails to penetrate the paint.
Roster Design and the Strategic Use of the Three-Point Shot
The Celtics intentionally built a roster around three-point shooting, with players like Kristaps Porzingis and Drew Holiday stretching defenses. The hosts emphasize that the three-point shot is a strategic advantage when it’s a high-quality look, not a flaw.
Shot Quality Over Quantity: The Real Problem
The hosts stress that the issue isn’t shooting too many threes—it’s shooting too many bad ones. They point to contested, late-clock threes, especially from Derek White, as a symptom of poor offensive flow and lack of ball movement.
The Veteran Factor: Why the Knicks Are More Poised
“When you watch that team in the fourth quarter, it's just remarkable how good they are and how poised they are, how everyone exudes their confidence.”
Derek White’s Struggles: Mental Game vs. Mechanics
Derek White’s drop in shooting is attributed to mental blocks, not mechanical flaws. The hosts note that he’s struggled with three-point shooting since San Antonio and that his role changes in Boston may have disrupted his rhythm.
“You still want to be up hovering around 40, but the 46 that they attempted in the first round against Philadelphia is simply unsustainable.”
“When you watch that team in the fourth quarter, it's just remarkable how good they are and how poised they are, how everyone exudes their confidence.”
“I think he's—I expect Derek White to be better than he was a year ago. Just like full stop blanket statement.”
Hosts
Guest
Boston Celtics
other
Derek White
person
Jalen Brown
person
Jason Tatum
person
New York Knicks
other
Philadelphia 76ers
other
Brad Stevens
person
Chris Mannix
person
Kristaps Porzingis
person
Baylor Shireman
person
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