Celtics Unlock New Offensive Weapon With Tatum–Queta Duo
· Yahoo Sports
Celtics Unlock New Offensive Weapon With Tatum–Queta Duo originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics have a new two-man game forming. Since returning from an Achilles injury, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta have been forming what projects to be a promising partnership. The duo has consistently created scoring opportunities for one another in pick-and-roll actions.
Visit goldparty.lat for more information.
Queta’s impact is coming via his screening and interior finishing as a roll man. Tatum’s passing and scoring gravity are opening things up for the 7-foot center. On Wednesday, March 18, as the Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors 120-99, Tatum’s first three assists of the night all went to Queta.
When speaking to the media during his postgame news conference, head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the budding partnership between Boston’s superstar forward and ever-improving big man.
“Yeah, I’d say Neemi’s (Neemias Queta) ability is a connector,” Mazzulla said, via CLNS Media. “So his ability to set screens, his ability to get guys open, his ability to read the floor and transition and create those two-on-ones early in the shot clock is something that he’s gotten better at, and really, our bigs in general have gotten better at throughout the entire season. Obviously, with JT (Jayson Tatum) being back, that just takes it to another level. So, continuing to get better at making those reads, but it’s something that he takes seriously of helping us create in our offense with those early action, you know, beginning of the shot clock.”
Tatum is an elite playmaker out of the pick-and-roll. He puts bigs in a position to succeed, both in the restricted area and on the short-roll. Furthermore, Tatum’s ability to create his own offense off the dribble often puts opposing defenders in a tough spot.
Mazzulla will undoubtedly welcome the addition of another two-man game. Having go-to partnerships is key to unlocking sturdy half-court defenses in the postseason. Tatum’s return is clearly elevating those around him, and because of that, Boston could find itself pushing for an NBA Finals spot later this season.
More Celtics: Celtics Insider Says Pistons May Not Be 'Impacted Much At All' By Cade Cunningham Update