We are talking assists by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown - and winning the rebounding battle, particularly off the offensive glass. I have broached this previously.
If The Jay Team gets the ball to their teammates in sufficient numbers - and the whole team hits the offensive glass - good things happen. In Boston's close win over Indiana in Game-1, Jaylen and Jayson combined for nine assists, five for Tatum and four for Brown.
And the team came away with 13 offensive boards. Jrue Holiday alone had five of those. Jayson and Jaylen have both matured - now realizing that they have some real sharpshooters in their present starting-5. At least one-of-Horford, Holiday and White can have a 20-plus game, and last night it was Jrue with 28 points on 62%/50%/100%, from the field - deep - and free throw line, respectively.
In the end, offensive boards are pure hustle, and assists by the team leaders display team play. Both can be critical against an Indiana team that doesn't appear to comprehend - or accept - that they are underdogs.
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