The Boston Celtics have started the 2026-27 NBA season by fixing a problem that held them back in recent years: their excessive reliance on the three-point shot, especially when it wasn’t falling. Under Brad Stevens, Ime Udoka, and Joe Mazzulla, the team often stuck to the perimeter attack even on off nights, which cost them games. This season, however, the Celtics have shown a more varied offensive approach that has made them tougher to beat.
Boston’s ability to adjust mid-game when their outside shooting is off has been evident in their recent performances. After a four-game road trip that ended with a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics are demonstrating they no longer depend solely on perimeter shooting for success. The team’s new versatility has been a topic of discussion on the ‘First To The Floor’ podcast, which broke down how Boston is finding different ways to win.
The Celtics’ 4-0 run on the road, including that win over Philadelphia, signals a shift in how the team executes offensively. Rather than doubling down on three-point attempts, they have diversified their attack, moving the ball inside and creating more varied scoring opportunities. This adaptability has allowed the team to avoid the swings in fortune caused by “shot variance,” a problem that previously left fans frustrated.
Joe Mazzulla’s coaching this season has focused on flexibility. The Celtics are adjusting on the fly, finding ways to score without relying on the long-range shot. Earlier seasons under Mazzulla and his predecessors often saw the Celtics stuck in a pattern of forcing perimeter shots when those were not connecting, leading to turnovers and missed chances.
The change is reflected not only in results but in the way the team plays. Boston’s offense now includes more drives to the basket, pick-and-roll plays, and post-ups, giving them multiple avenues to generate points. This adjustment makes them less predictable and harder to defend.
The ‘First To The Floor’ podcast highlighted how this diversified offense will matter as the season progresses. The Celtics will face tougher defenses that can close down the three-point line, so having multiple ways to score could be decisive. Mazzulla’s team is responding to past criticisms from fans, who have long called for a more balanced attack.
This early-season transformation is important for a Celtics team that has struggled to close out games when shots aren’t falling. The ability to adapt on the fly could help them avoid some of the late-game collapses that undermined previous campaigns.
Boston’s defensive efforts have also contributed to their recent success, but it is the offensive evolution that stands out. The Celtics have found a way to reduce turnovers and avoid the desperation plays that came from over-relying on the three-point shot.
The latest win against Philadelphia was a showcase of this new approach. The Celtics mixed ball movement and inside scoring, keeping the 76ers off balance. Their control of the game was evident in the way they managed the clock and limited mistakes.
While the season is still young, the Celtics are sending a message that they have addressed a long-standing weakness. Their ability to solve the turnover problem connected to shot selection could make them a more consistent contender this year.
The transformation has not gone unnoticed. Analysts and fans alike are watching Boston’s varied offense with interest as the team builds momentum heading into the mid-season stretch. The Celtics’ latest results suggest this approach is working and could shape their identity for the rest of the campaign.
According to Yahoo Sports.
