The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, have faced some unexpected challenges as of late. After a strong start to the 2023-2024 season, the Celtics are now in a rough stretch, going 6-4 in their last 10 games as they head into Christmas Day. A key part of their struggles has been a drop in their once-potent 3-point shooting, which has dragged down the overall performance of the team.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s “Mazzulla-Ball” philosophy centers on a high volume of 3-point attempts, and the Celtics were among the league’s best at knocking down shots from beyond the arc last season. However, that same strategy hasn’t been as effective recently. Boston now ranks 16th in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage at 36.3%, a noticeable dip from their earlier form. Despite this decline, Mazzulla remains unbothered, sticking to his belief in the system.
“I think it just happens from time to time,” Mazzulla said before the Celtics’ home game against the Philadelphia 76ers. “I like the shots that we take. I like the people that are taking them. We just gotta work through it. I think the thing that you can always stress more is the offensive rebounding, the crashing — which I think has been better over the last couple of games.”
However, the numbers tell a different story. Since their December 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics have been one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, ranking 22nd at 33.5% during this stretch. Boston is making just 16.7 out of 49.8 3-point attempts per game, a significant drop-off from earlier in the season. This shooting slump was particularly evident in a recent loss to the Orlando Magic, where Boston shot just 24.2% from deep, connecting on only 8 of 33 attempts.
Despite holding a 15-point lead in the second half, the Celtics allowed the injury-riddled Magic to rally and steal the victory. This game highlighted Boston’s growing issues when the 3-point shots aren’t falling, with the Magic shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc to outplay the Celtics.
Mazzulla remains optimistic, however. “I never look at the percentages,” he explained. “I always look at the quality. And to me, that’s the most important thing is can you fight to get the quality-type shot that you wanna get, regardless of what it is.”
Despite the slump, the Celtics are still performing well overall, holding a 22-7 record and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, if they hope to maintain their position and compete for another championship, they’ll need to find a way to get back to their sharp-shooting ways. Mazzulla will have to adjust his system or rely on other strengths to ensure Boston stays at the top.
