NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Celtics vs. Bulls matchup
By Noah Torr
4. The Bulls have had issues with the long-ball this season
The Celtics and Bulls are both decent 3-point shooting teams. Each has their fair share of shooters on the squad. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley and the Bulls have Nikola Mirotic and Jimmy Butler (who has emerged as a legitimate threat from beyond the arc). Not only can both teams be also inconsistent at times from outside the arc, but those misses usually cost them the game.
Since Wade’s injury, the Bulls have actually been pretty impressive from the outside. Not only has Rondo stepped up and is now hitting open 3-pointers, but Mirotic has found his groove as well. Jerian Grant has also been a reliable option from deep. Now that Wade is returning and getting back into the starting lineup, the Bulls spacing may very well get killed off. Wade is shooting 31 percent from deep, which isn’t something to brag about. Wade has not made his career shooting 3-pointers, but rather being a guard who slashes and cuts.
The Celtics starting five (excluding Amir Johnson) are all finding ways to shoot 3s more this season. Bradley, Thomas, Horford, and Jae Crowder are all shooting above 35 percent from deep, which is great. Horford started to take more 3-pointers last year and hasn’t slowed up. He is taking 3.6 every game, which is great for Boston because they get another person to spread the floor for them. Teams, the Bulls specifically, can no longer game plan just for Isaiah Thomas to shoot because his whole supporting cast can now shoot.