1. Starting Big Lineup Works For Celtics
With Jrue Holiday out injured, the Celtics started Jaylen Brown as a shooting guard and Jayson Tatum as a small forward alongside Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. Going big against the long and versatile Victor Wembanyama paid dividends for Boston’s defense.
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2. Wembanyama Shows Uniqueness Even In Defeat
The young Spurs star showed why he is one of the most unique prospects ever. His length and skills gave the Celtics problems at times and brought the best out of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. As he gains experience, Wembanyama could develop into a superstar.
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Table Summary of 10 Takeaways From Celtics Dominant Win Over Spurs To Close Out 2023
| Takeaway | Summary |
| 1 | Celtics benefited from starting a big lineup due to Jrue Holiday’s absence, with Jaylen Brown at SG and Jayson Tatum at SF. |
| 2 | Victor Wembanyama, despite the Spurs’ defeat, showcased unique skills, posing challenges for the Celtics and hinting at future superstar potential. |
| 3 | Jayson Tatum’s offensive performance, scoring 25 points efficiently, suggests a surge similar to his January-February MVP-level play. |
| 4 | Kristaps Porzingis struggled with three-point shooting in San Antonio but contributed in other areas, maintaining floor spacing for the team. |
| 5 | Derrick White excelled in Horns actions, with the Celtics utilizing sets to find easy baskets for him and Luke Kornet. |
| 6 | Boston displayed stifling defense before halftime, limiting good shots and leaving the Spurs deflated heading into the break. |
| 7 | A dominant offensive display in the third quarter, led by Tatum and Brown, resulted in a 40-point explosion, giving the Celtics full control. |
| 8 | Jaylen Brown’s playmaking and scoring efficiency reached new heights in his eighth season, making him a formidable opponent. |
| 9 | Rookie Noah Queta showcased emerging defensive talent with a notable block, contributing off the bench for Boston. |
| 10 | Payton Pritchard’s improving playmaking was highlighted by recording a team-high seven assists, showcasing growth as a distributor. |
3. Tatum Starting To Ramp Up Offense
Scoring 25 points efficiently while knocking down shots, Tatum showed signs that his January-February surge is beginning. This is usually when the All-Star takes his game to an MVP level as the Celtics make a title push.
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4. Porzingis’ Shooting Woes In San Antonio
While contributing in other areas, Porzingis struggled from three, hitting just one of his seven long-range attempts with many rimmed out. Off nights from deep will happen, but his floor spacing still helps open lanes.
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5. Derrick White Thrives In Horns Actions
The Celtics utilized several “Horns” sets to find White and big man Luke Kornet for easy baskets. These sets allow Boston’s versatile players to exploit matchups and give White options as the ball handler.
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6. Stifling Defense Before Halftime
Boston smothered San Antonio late in the second quarter, limiting good shots and ensuring the Spurs went into the break feeling deflated. Tight defense has long been the Celtics’ trademark.
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7. Offensive Dominance In the Third Quarter
After the strong defensive effort in the second, Tatum and Brown led a 40-point explosion in the third to take full control. 16 of Jaylen Brown’s 24 points came during this pivotal stretch.
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8. Brown Reaches New Heights
Scoring efficiently inside and out, Brown’s playmaking continues to reach an all-time high in his eighth season. At his best, he’s nearly impossible to guard. Scarier still – his potential ceiling remains higher.
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9. Block Party With Noah Queta
The rookie big man punctuated the win with this monstrous rejection, showing off his emerging defensive talent off the bench for Boston.
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10. Pritchard’s Improving Playmaking
Recording a team-high seven assists, Pritchard is growing more comfortable as a distributor and floor general. His steady improvement bodes well heading into 2024.
People Also Ask
How old is true holiday?
What is JRUE Holiday’s number?
Who are the parents of the Holiday Brothers?
The parents of the Holiday Brothers are Shawn and Toya Holiday.
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