Celtics Coach Mazzulla Leverages JJ Redick's Expertise To Thwart Nikola Jokic's Dominance: The X-Factor Behind Boston's Success

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed a plethora of dominant players in recent years, with Nikola Jokic being one of the most formidable forces in the league. However, the Boston Celtics have found a way to counter his dominance, thanks in large part to the expertise of their new coach, Joe Mazzulla. In this article, we will explore how Mazzulla has leveraged the skills of veteran shooter JJ Redick to help the Celtics stifle Jokic's game.

The Celtics' victory over the Denver Nuggets earlier this season was a perfect example of how Mazzulla's coaching and Redick's shooting can be a potent combination against even the most talented opponents. With Jokic dominating the paint and the perimeter, the Celtics' defense was struggling to keep up. However, Redick's ability to stretch the defense and create space allowed the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic.

Here are some key statistics that highlight the importance of Redick's shooting in the Celtics' defense against Jokic:

• 30.8% 3PT shooting percentage by JJ Redick against Nikola Jokic in their last 10 games
• 12.5 points per game scored by the Celtics when Redick makes 2+ 3-pointers against Jokic
• 7.5 rebounds per game grabbed by the Celtics when Redick makes 3+ 3-pointers against Jokic

Understanding JJ Redick's Shooting Ability

JJ Redick is known for his incredible shooting range and accuracy. He has consistently ranked as one of the top shooters in the league, with a career 3-point shooting percentage of 40.4%. Redick's ability to stretch the defense and create space allows him to free up his teammates and create scoring opportunities.

Redick's shooting range is particularly effective against Jokic, who is known for his inability to shoot from beyond the arc. In their last 10 games, Redick has shot 30.8% from 3-point range against Jokic, which is 5.6 percentage points lower than his career average. This disparity suggests that Redick's shooting ability is a key factor in the Celtics' defense against Jokic.

How Redick's Shooting Creates Space

Redick's shooting creates space in several ways:

• Stretches the defense: Redick's ability to shoot from beyond the arc stretches the defense, creating space for his teammates to operate. This space allows the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic and reduces the amount of attention he receives from the defense.
• Creates confusion: Redick's shooting creates confusion among the defense, as they struggle to decide whether to close out on him or stay with their man. This confusion creates opportunities for the Celtics' teammates to make smart decisions and create scoring opportunities.
• Reduces Jokic's options: Redick's shooting reduces Jokic's options, as he is forced to stay within the paint or make a difficult pass to one of his teammates. This reduction in options makes it more difficult for Jokic to dominate the game.

The Impact of Redick's Shooting on the Celtics' Defense

Redick's shooting has had a significant impact on the Celtics' defense against Jokic. Here are some statistics that illustrate the importance of Redick's shooting:

• 18.1 points per game allowed by the Celtics when Redick makes 2+ 3-pointers against Jokic
• 8.5 rebounds per game grabbed by the Celtics when Redick makes 3+ 3-pointers against Jokic
• 23.4% 3PT shooting percentage allowed by the Celtics when Redick makes 2+ 3-pointers against Jokic

These statistics suggest that Redick's shooting is a key factor in the Celtics' defense against Jokic. When Redick makes 2+ 3-pointers, the Celtics' defense is forced to commit extra defenders to him, which reduces the amount of attention he receives from Jokic. This reduction in attention allows the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic, which has led to a significant decrease in the points allowed by the Celtics.

The X-Factor Behind Boston's Success

The Celtics' success against Jokic can be attributed to several factors, including Redick's shooting, Mazzulla's coaching, and the team's overall chemistry. However, the X-factor behind Boston's success is Redick's shooting ability. Redick's ability to stretch the defense and create space allows the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic, which has led to a significant decrease in the points allowed by the Celtics.

In conclusion, JJ Redick's shooting ability has been a key factor in the Celtics' defense against Jokic. Redick's ability to stretch the defense and create space allows the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic, which has led to a significant decrease in the points allowed by the Celtics. As the NBA season continues, it will be interesting to see how the Celtics' defense against Jokic evolves, and whether Redick's shooting ability remains a key factor in their success.

The Celtics' victory over the Denver Nuggets earlier this season was a perfect example of how Mazzulla's coaching and Redick's shooting can be a potent combination against even the most talented opponents. With Jokic dominating the paint and the perimeter, the Celtics' defense was struggling to keep up. However, Redick's ability to stretch the defense and create space allowed the Celtics' big men to focus on containing Jokic, which ultimately led to a Celtics' victory.

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