Jack Simone

Celtics reporter: @BostonSportsBSJ | Co-Host: @HowBoutThemCs podcast

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

NEW FEATURE: How did the Celtics become what they are today? What really happened?

They studied.

An endless devotion to being the smarter team, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind film session back in December.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes story for BSJ: https://t.co/d81QuQybZ7

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

These Celtics are relentless. That's become clear.

But after a 4-0 road trip -- including grueling, back-to-back wins in Philly and Toronto -- a rare, brief chance to exhale presented itself.

In the form of a flight delay, Lil Durk, and Olivia Dean.
https://t.co/G5JBqZc5Na

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Good challenge and obviously a nice shot, but the Celtics defense was really struggling with close-outs. Raptors were getting a ton of threes.

Tough to play double bigs when the other team is spacing the floor super well like Toronto was.

[SeattleKid @SeattleKid77]

@JackSimoneNBA Why start Garza so you can only play him 7 mins? Scores a quick 5 points and wins a challenge for you and then you bench him for the rest of the half and probably the game. Nothing Mazzulla does ever makes sense.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Celtics-Raptors halftime thoughts: A slow start, a great response, and Jayson Tatum

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

@NIKNBAYT my goat, thank you

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Celtics have won both of their challenges tonight. Luka Garza told Joe to challenge the first one. DWhite told him to challenge the second. Celtics players went 2-for-2 tonight.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

I don't know the exact percentage, but Joe Mazzulla is trusting his players when they call for a challenge this year. Almost every time.

And the players have been right a lot. I can't remember one that didn't go the Celtics' way (that a player called for).

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

@NIKNBAYT can we get a clip of that Tatum-Baylor-DWhite transition play? And the lead-up to it on defense? Thanks big dog

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Nice little run for the Celtics. Finding some life. Finally got some stops, and those are turning into solid enough looks for Tatum, who is fighting through a slow scoring start.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Raptors challenged the out of bounds call. Got overturned to a foul on Allen Graves. Celtics get to free throws. Bad challenge for the Raptors, who are now out of challenges.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Some very interesting defensive trends to monitor in this game

Raptors are playing with a ton of ball pressure. Hard doubling Tatum at the wing. Bringing CMB up into ball-handlers space and showing extra bodies. Sending multiple at PnRs.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are playing their same style of defense, which is leaving some weak points on cross-court passes. Raptors are executing there. Also som

Boston missteps seeing and navigating screens, which has led to some threes for Alijah Martin, in particular.

Curious to see how the Celtics adjust, if at all. Maybe they just trust the math.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

I don't know the exact percentage, but Joe Mazzulla is trusting his players when they call for a challenge this year. Almost every time.

And the players have been right a lot. I can't remember one that didn't go the Celtics' way (that a player called for).

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Neemias Queta: Floor-spacer

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Celtics vs. Raptors Pregame Show https://t.co/SSLSNb5wB6

[Nik Land | NikNBA🏀 @NIKNBAYT]

🚨NEW FILM VIDEO🚨

Celtics vs 76ers FULL Game Breakdown : Film Session

https://t.co/7kdh4uHMVL

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Collin Murray-Boyles and Immanuel Quickley are AVAILABLE to play tonight vs. the Celtics, per Darko Rajakovic.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

The full Paul George experience

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Paul George is OUT (illness) tonight vs. the a Raptors, per Celtics PR.

Nobody else on the injury report.

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Tuesday night mattered. Tatum vs. Brown mattered it just did. For 48 minutes.

Now, it doesn’t.

Documenting the most anticipated game of the Celtics season: https://t.co/PEd7vnrkYY

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

The chemistry is so real, man

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Jayson Tatum and Paul George's chemistry is already off the charts

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

Some extra cameras at Paul George’s post-game scrum

[Jack Simone @JackSimoneNBA]

'Let's Go Celtics' chants starting here in Philly