Celtics must embrace attacking the paint

Another shocking performance from the Boston Celtics sees them trailing the New York Knicks by two games. Tom Thibodeau's team has found a way to beat the reigning champions in both of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchups so far. 

Boston's losses have been due to its poor shooting from the perimeter. On Monday, the Celtics missed an NBA record 45 three-point attempts. On Wednesday, the Celtics went 10-of-40 from deep. 

The shocking part is that the Celtics knew they needed to adjust their approach heading into Game 2. Payton Pritchard had discussed the need for more rim attempts during a news conference before the game.

"Obviously, we're a great three-point shooting team," Pritchard said. "I think it's understanding at the moment if we've missed consecutive ones in a row, then at that moment, maybe we need to try to get to the paint, try to get an easy one going...We're not going to hesitate and change our entire game." 

Despite Pritchard's admission that Boston may need some additional paint touches and easy shots at the rim, it only attacked the restricted area on 24 percent of its total offense. For reference, 41 percent of the Celtics' offensive possessions ended in a shot from the three-point line. 

Joe Mazzulla's team took more short mid-range looks, such as floaters and push shots, than it did layups, with 25 percent of the team's offense coming in the short mid-range area. 

The Celtics are at their best when attacking the paint, forcing defensive rotations and kicking the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter. Sometimes, Boston can become too content with running simple screening actions to generate a semi-open shot. It's lazy basketball. 

Now that Boston is trailing the series by two games and will be forced to claw its way back while on the road, Mazzulla must begin preaching the importance of a varied offense. Yes, when Boston consistently knocks down shots, it's nearly unguardable. However, relying on nothing but the perimeter is risky business. 

The Celtics came into the season as the reigning NBA champions. If they want to defend that title, they must adjust. Their current approach doesn't work against the Knicks. And with a looming luxury-tax bill worth more than a small country's GDP, an early exit from the postseason could trigger a sizable roster reshuffle this summer.

All eyes will be on how the Celtics approach Games 3 and 4, and rightly so.