NBA Notebook: Celtics settling into higher pace and play style the roster demanded

Payton Pritchard and Al Horford stood in the locker room in Memphis in March, glowing about the pace the Celtics played at in their win over the Grizzlies. Pritchard regularly touted the benefits of pushing the pace and made his imprint doing so with the second unit. Horford loved to grab-and-go, push the ball on the break and throw outlet passes. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White also fared well on the break. But as Boston's 2025 season wound down, they fell to last place in pace over the last two months. 

"For us, it's more to play to how we want to play," Horford said then. "I think it's just continuing to make the right reads and making the right decisions constantly on offense. I think that opens everything up for us, and our pace changes depending on who we have out there. I know when Payton's out there, he likes to get out and play faster, so we enjoy that. We want to get out there and do that. Then, there are other times that we have to be a little bit more methodical, and I think that's one of the strengths of our team."

Brad Stevens later blamed that slow approach, in part, for the Celtics' six-game loss to the Knicks in the second round and forecasted that the team would address it in the offseason. They would need to. Stevens and the front office overhauled the roster and left the offense with less expert screeners like Horford and Luke Kornet, their main isolation play-maker Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles and an array of fast and athletic wings arrived in free agency. Joe Mazzulla vowed to play to their strengths, while Stevens indicated his only input on play style would be recommending how the new players can best help the team. Celtics players, throughout training camp, left no doubt about what path they chose. 

Brown no longer deemed Boston a basketball team. They're a track team now, he said. Sam Cassell and Brown considered the team's practices the hardest they'd seen in a camp, and Cassell entered the league in 1993. The big men even noted how they have to get up the floor quickly too, setting screens just over half court as the Celtics initiate their offense early. Mazzulla and the coaching staff consider 'pace' getting into their offensive possessions early, not necessarily how many possessions they play per game, the NBA definition. Even fast break or transition points don't totally reflect the actual pace an offense plays at. Boston tries to start its actions before the shot clock falls to 17. In one of the early possessions of the preseason opener in Memphis, White simply drove into the half-court and beat the Grizzlies' defense downhill to score with 17 on the clock. 

So why didn't this happen sooner? 

"Certain players we had, and we were winning," Pritchard said at shootaround on Sunday. "If J.T. wants the ball at the top, JT..’s a top 5 player so you might as well give him the ball and let him work. We don’t have him at the beginning of this year, so we gotta go to what benefits our team the most. It's just different. When you got a guy like J.T., K.P., who you can throw it to on the elbow and score, you weren't gonna change things up when you're winning a championship. So I think the NBA sometimes can be a copycat league, but you gotta go with what really works for your team and is gonna help you win on any given night." 

When the Celtics completed their win in Memphis, they played 106 possessions, a pace that ranked 10th at the end of the night. They settled at 105, tied for 13th, through their first three exhibitions. Late last season, that number fell to 93.83 over the final 22 games, then 92.72 in the Knicks series. For what it's worth, teams regularly emphasize playing faster in camp. The Mavericks, among others, have expressed a desire to run more than before this fall, too. The Celtics don't need to become the Steve Nash Suns or even the Bulls from late last season. But they needed a spark that a roster overhaul and significant injury to their star provided and should improve closer to the league average in pace. 

The old way worked to a point. Only James Harden and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played in isolation for more possessions per game than Tatum (6.7), who finished close to the 80th percentile in efficiency. Brown fell closer to the middle of the league (0.92 points per possession), while others rarely received opportunities to line up their own mismatches outside of Kristaps Porziņģis in the post. Porziņģis again thrived inside (1.19 PPP) while Brown leaned on his own back to the basket game more than ever (1.06). That approach cratered into the playoffs when Porziņģis' illness dropped him to a 0.48 PPP inside. Brown struggled there too, and the Celtics' isolation attack produced only 0.88 PPP as a team, which finished as the 40th percentile in the playoffs. Jordan Walsh even acknowledged during this camp that Boston's offense often leaned on clearing out and letting Tatum and Brown go to work. 

"I've been one of the top transition leaders the last five, I don't know how many years," Brown said last week. "We gotta play fast, but play smart at the same time. So that's what we're working on, building great habits. We want to play with tempo, but also know what we're doing when we're playing at that pace. So getting used to it, so we can think, think fast, make quick decisions and make the right reads, even when we're playing at that pace." 

That impressed most through the first preseason game. Boston didn't commit a turnover until the second quarter despite playing faster. A bump in giveaways would almost certainly come alongside an increase in pace, intuitively, and the Celtics' early willingness to take more calculated risks defensively seemed to reflect that as the team tries to maintain a positive turnover differential, which they have throughout Mazzulla's tenure. That didn't come through forcing many turnovers, they ranked bottom five per-game at doing that each year. They never gave the ball away, a product of playing in control, decisive and emphasizing getting a shot off each possession, one underrated reason for all the threes. 

Yet the Pacers showed you can have it both ways. Indiana raked seventh in pace and tied for third in fewest turnovers, balancing both as they set a tone for offensive activity and aggressiveness on their way to the NBA Finals. Mazzulla and his staff watched that offensively, and the physicality the league allowed Oklahoma City to combat it defensively, while crafting adjustments for this season. It'll also take time to adapt. Brown, White and Pritchard didn't prove particularly efficient through their isolation possessions last year. And after three preseason games, Boston fell to 31st in turnovers with 21.3 per game, albeit with nine across the final 11 possessions by the bench in a late collapse at Toronto weighing down their average. 

The Celtics have also weighed how often they'll need to substitute to maintain their pace. In the first quarter of that Raptors game, Mazzulla switched players out 15 times, seemingly over rebounding frustration. Twice that night, five players entered and exited the game. Mazzulla later referred to it as an effort to maintain their pace, hockey subs that Walsh teased on media day that Mazzulla later clarified the team wouldn't do. But it's been part of practice, make way for fresh legs and keep running and attacking. And for the bigs, it's perhaps a necessary layer to the style overhaul that the Celtics want to achieve this season with a completely new look at that position. 

"In order for us to maintain a pace like that, we're gonna have to sub really frequently," Xavier Tillman Sr. said on Sunday. "Unless we're track stars, which we're not track stars, so we'll have to sub frequently. Honestly, in terms of the last couple of years, guys that had minute blocks where they knew they were coming in and they knew when to get on the bike and start to warm up. This year, it's kind of like, make sure every timeout you stretch out a bit, because you just never know (how) the situation will unfold." 

Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...

Boston: Jaylen Brown cruised to 21 points and Derrick White added 10 assists in the Celtics' preseason opener at Memphis. Luka Garza posted a double-double. They sat in Toronto on Friday, where Anfernee Simons debuted with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting after picking up three quick fouls. Chris Boucher combined for 10-for-19 across his first two showings, receiving a warm welcome from the Raptors, whom he played with for effectively his entire career prior to Boston and won a championship with in 2019. Jordan Walsh (adductor) left Wednesday's game at the half and did not return before sitting on Friday. Josh Minott (10.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG) showed well in his two appearances. Shams Charania reported that Jayson Tatum (Achilles) informed the Celtics that he wants to play in 2025-26. They're cautiously optimistic he can return between February and April. Tatum posted a video of himself dunking last week, just five months removed from surgery. 

Cleveland: Evan Mobley emerged as a significant part of their offense again in the opener, shooting 11-for-20 and 3-for-6 from three between his first two appearances. With Darius Garland and Max Strus out to begin the year, Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr. and Dean Wade received a minutes bump, with Porter Jr. shooting 8-for-15. De'Andre Hunter started hot in his first training camp with his new team, shooting 8-for-15 from the field and 5-for-7 from three. Rivals are monitoring how the Cavs fare and whether they would even consider breaking up their Mobley and Jarrett Allen front-court pairing, Chris Mannix reported. Most believe Mobley is the team's long-term fit at center. 

Dallas: Encouraging video emerged from Mavs camp of Kyrie Irving dribbling and shooting around as he remains without a timeline to return from ACL surgery late last season. Jason Kidd pushed back against Irving being ahead of schedule to begin camp, and tried to temper expectations over how quickly he'll return. Cooper Flagg shot 3-for-6 with 10 points, six rebounds and three assists in his preseason debut. Jaden Hardy and rookie Ryan Nembhard are strong candidates to fill depth minutes at point guard with Irving out while Brandon Williams will re-join that mix when he recovers from a hamstring strain. Like Boston, the Mavs are planning to push the pace this season. 

Golden State: Al Horford's father Tito told CLNS Media that he believed Al didn't have control over returning to Boston. He looked back at his son's tenure with the Celtics, weighed his jersey retirement chances while his brother Jon Horford forecasted Al being capable of 5-6 more NBA seasons should he choose to pursue that. A starting role, mid-level exception money and the chance to compete for a championship all influenced Horford's decision. He said in his introduction that he never considered retirement. Through two preseason games with Golden State, he posted three points, six rebounds and five assists while shooting 1-for-7 from the field. He blocked three shots in his debut, more in a half than any Warriors player last season. Andscape spoke to Jonathan Kuminga, who's at peace despite his challenging free agency saga and start to his career with the Warriors. 

Houston: The Fred VanVleet injury could alter former Celtic JD Davison's career as he makes the most of preseason opportunity in his absence. Davison exploded to shoot 5-for-7 in his Rockets debut, and scored 25 points with six rebounds and six assists while shooting 9-for-16 from the field across his first two games. Kevin Durant sat out the opener then poured in 20 points in 23 minutes, shooting 7-for-10 while Alperen Şengün averaged 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 9.0 APG on 58.8% shooting. The Rockets are reportedly optimistic that Durant will sign a two-year extension with them before opening night later this month. 

Indiana: TJ McConnell (hamstring) will miss at least a month to begin this season, hurting a backcourt already missing Tyrese Haliburton. His absence will place more responsibility on Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin and Johnny Furphy, who's shown well this summer going into his second NBA year. Like the Celtics, Indiana is trying to make this more than a gap year with the talent they have after a significant injury and offseason loss. Unlike Boston with Jayson Tatum, the Pacers have ruled out a Haliburton return. 

"You got to focus on what you have and not what you don't have," Carlisle told ESPN. "We want to develop and maximize ... one of the things I'm most proud of the last two years is the development [of our young players]. We're going to be looking to do the same thing. We got guys that still have upside, and we want them to realize that upside. And we want to maximize what we can with wins and losses."

Clippers: Adam Silver said the Clippers and the Intuit Dome in LA are not going to lose the All-Star Game in February as a league investigation into potential salary cap circumvention continues regarding Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deal with Aspiration. Silver did not provide a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation by an outside law firm, which is expected to last into 2026. 

Lakers: LeBron James will miss 3-4 weeks with sciatica on his right side, the Lakers announced late this week. It will mark the first time in James' career that he'll miss opening night. LA held James out of training camp and the first two preseason games with nerve irritation in his glute. He teased a second decision that led many to speculate he would announce his retirement last week, with the spoof of his famous 2010 TV announcement that he would leave the Cavs for the Heat turning out to be nothing more than an ad for an alcohol company. Luka Dončić's acclimation to leading the franchise into the future will only accelerate through James' absence, though he's also ramped up slowly through training camp following EuroBasket. James will reportedly assess how the Lakers are performing through his absence, which could set up a potential departure. Marcus Smart has battled Achilles pain in camp, but said the tendon is strong as he prepares to join team activity and preseason action. He sat out again on Sunday against the Warriors. 

Miami: Erik Spoelstra will reportedly succeed Steve Kerr as Team USA's men's basketball head coach after serving as an assistant since 2021. He'll oversee the 2027 FIBA World Cup team before leading the 2028 squad into a new era at the Olympics, likely without 2024 stars LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley and Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault are rumored to become assistants on Spoelstra's staff after he, Ty Lue and Gonzaga's Mark Few last served in those roles. 

Milwaukee/New York: Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucks after reports last week indicated that the Bucks and Knicks discussed a trade during the offseason involving him. New York emerged as the only team that Antetokounmpo wanted to play for outside of Milwaukee. They had discussions in August when the Knicks reached out, but never gained traction on a deal. Milwaukee believed New York did not make a strong enough offer at the team, and regardless, the Bucks preferred not to trade Giannis then. For the Knicks' part, their blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges gutted their first-round pick arsenal into the future, limiting their ability to make a significant offer for Antetokounmpo. Their cap situation would also likely force them to move Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, or some other combination of core players in order to make things work. New York currently has one first-rounder, three pick swaps and eight seconds to work with. Antetokounmpo reportedly invited the possibility of moving on from the Bucks this offseason, then said at media day that he could not recall a meeting Bucks governor Wes Edens discussed where Antetokounmpo committed to the franchise. 

"I've communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love, that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter," Antetokounmpo said last week. "I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that's human, too."

Philadelphia: Joel Embiid and Paul George participated in portions of practice late last week as opening night nears in Boston. Embiid took part in a live practice on Wednesday then did 5-on-0 situations after. Nick Nurse said he's available and has done a lot of live action over the past two weeks. George took part in team activity for the first time this preseason in one-on-one drills after previously only doing individual ones. It's unclear if he'll return in time for any preseason game action, as Nurse wouldn't say yes or no. 

Portland: Yang Hansen broke through in his second preseason action after struggling with foul trouble in the first. He scored 14 points over a five-minute stretch in the third quarter, hit back-to-back threes and followed with a string of passes on the move that make him intriguing as an offensive hub for the Blazers as soon as this season. Hansen finished 5-for-8 from the field, blocked three shots and hit all four free throw attempts. Jrue Holiday dished seven assists in his preseason debut for Portland before scoring 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting in the second game. Robert Williams III (knee) still hasn't received clearance for contact, but has progressed through non-contact work in camp. 

Sacramento: Shams Charania reported that the Kings and Russell Westbrook have mutual interest as training camp winds down and Westbrook remains without a team. Sacramento eyed Westbrook, 37 this year, earlier in the summer as they reshaped their back court around Dennis Schröder, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. A deal never materialized, but only the Kings appear to want Westbrook despite a solid lone season in Denver in 2024-25. He opted out of a $3.4 million player option with the Nuggets in June. 

San Antonio: Luke Kornet has thrived in two preseason games to begin his tenure with his new team, shooting 6-for-6 against a Chinese team rolling off Victor Wembanyama before combining for 6-for-10 shooting against Miami and Utah with 16 points, 17 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks between the two wins. Wembanyama, in his first action since deep vain thrombosis ended his 2024-25 season in February, averaged 13.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.0 APG and 1.7 BPG on 59.1% shooting through three games. Rookie Dylan Harper returned from thumb surgery last month with nine points and three assists in his preseason debut, including an alley-oop to Wembanyama. 

Toronto: Jakob Poeltl (back) remained sidelined through the start of the Raptors' preseason slate, which included a comeback win without their starters late against the Celtics on Friday. Toronto offered a warm welcome back to Chris Boucher, the 2019 champion and longest-tenured member of the team who departed for Boston after playing less often in 2024-25. He shined in an emotional return and averaged 15.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG and 1.0 SPG while shooting 52.6% from the field through his first two games with the Celtics. In a Players Tribune article, Boucher reflected on his journey from St. Lucia to Montreal, Oregon, where he was briefly teammates with Payton Pritchard, to Golden State and a long career with the Raptors in Toronto, where he became beloved. The Raptors and Knicks agreed to shelve New York's lawsuit over alleged stolen data from the Knicks. 

"I got to be a Raptor for all those years and become a vet in this league. And now I get to play for one of the most iconic franchises in basketball. I get to be a Celtic and wear the green and go out and prove myself to the world once again while competing for a title. I get to call another place home, continue working every day and playing the game I love. How do you even explain all of that?  I don’t know. I really don’t. But one thing about me is, I never stopped thinking that tomorrow was gonna be better than today." 

Utah: Walker Kessler asked for a lot in contract negotiations with the Jazz last month, which led to the sides reportedly shelving talks until restricted free agency next summer. The saga left some frustration on Kessler's side as teams around the NBA, including the Lakers and Suns, expressed interest in him this summer. It's unclear whether Utah sees the promising young center as part of their future at the ground floor of a rebuild, or wants to use what's been powerful leverage in RFA to retain him at a better price for the team.