In the opening game of the series, the Boston Celtics employed a strategic approach against Mitchell Robinson, utilizing a tactic dubbed the “hack-a-Robinson.” The rationale behind this decision was clear: with Robinson’s free-throw percentage hovering around 50%, the Celtics opted to send him to the line rather than concede easy points in the paint. This tactic not only maximized their chances of limiting the Knicks’ scoring opportunities but also had the additional effect of potentially forcing Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau to bench Robinson, who is a significant defensive presence.
However, the effectiveness of this strategy faltered dramatically in Game 2. With just under three minutes remaining and the Celtics leading 86-82, Boston made the puzzling decision to intentionally foul Robinson twice back-to-back, despite being on the brink of entering the bonus. This not only eliminated any chance of capitalizing on fouls but also put immense pressure on the Celtics to avoid further fouls in the closing minutes of the game, setting the stage for a pivotal moment where Jalen Brunson secured crucial free throws.
Moreover, substituting Robinson for OG Anunoby, a formidable defender, arguably provided the Knicks with a tactical advantage, allowing them to reposition their defense against star players like Jayson Tatum. The Celtics’ strategy appeared to backfire, raising questions about coach Joe Mazzulla’s decision-making in crunch time.
On a related note, Mazzulla’s recent hiring of chess expert Joshua Waitzkin as a performance consultant has drawn attention. While the intent may be to enhance strategic depth, analysts are left wondering if the game’s execution reflects a level of planning that’s less nuanced than expected, hinting at potential oversights.
As the series progresses, the Celtics will need to refine their strategy and capitalize on their strengths while remaining mindful of their critical decisions during high-pressure moments. Embracing lessons from their tactics could pave the way for greater consistency and success in the games to come.