Can Celtics Sustain Three Or Bust Offensive Strategy?

The Boston Celtics are firing away from the 3-point line again to open up the 2024-25 NBA season.

In their season-opening win over the New York Knicks, the Celtics matched the league’s record for most 3-pointers made in a single game with 29.

As the Celtics keep shooting from deep four games into the season, George Balekji questioned whether or not that method is sustainable for the entire season on NESN’s “Hold My Banner” podcast.

“It’s been four games but their clip this year has been 50 attempted threes a night,” Balekji said. “They’re making … 21, 22 (a night) and they’re shooting an NBA-best, of course, both of those lead the NBA 43% from three, and get this 52% of their points are coming from the three-ball.

“… What does this mean taking 53 threes a night and hitting at a 43% clip? Is that sustainable or for them? I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they proved me wrong.”

The Celtics have employed a mentality toward shooting more 3-pointers since Joe Mazzulla became their interim head coach during the 2022-23 season. They were second in the league in 3-point attempts that season and led the league with 42.5 attempts last season.

Balekji pointed out that the four-time world champion Golden State Warriors were getting 29% of their scoring from beyond the arc during their title runs and were able to sustain that type of offensive output, so why couldn’t the Celtics?