First, I don't gamble. Study numbers to understand the game. As a Celtics fan, I'm not optimistic, not because of management or coaching, but because of the talent drain from finances and injury.
Let's look at the Four Factors differentials for Boston after a handful of games. Sample size deserves mention as a limitation.
These do not include the Celtics shooting 11-51 on threes last night or their being outrebounded by 19.
EFG% differential
"Just because I want you on the floor, doesn't mean I want you to shoot." - Bob Knight
- 25th in effective field goal percentage
- 6th in opponent effective field goal percentage
- 25th in three-point percentage (32.6 %) seven teams are shooting over 40 percent early in 2025
- First in three pointers attempted per game
Rebounding differential
"Get me the ball, Danny." - Gene Hackman, "The Replacements"
- 27th in defensive rebounding percentage
- 7th in offensive rebounding percentage
- 20th in overall rebounding percentage
Turnovers
"The ball is gold." - Coach Sonny Lane
- First in fewest turnovers (likely relates to perimeter orientation)
- 13th in forced turnovers
Portland is the high forced (21+), high own turnovers (16+) team
Free throws
“...and you will make your second shot” - Gene Hackman, in "Hoosiers"
- 30th in free throws attempted per game (17.6)
- 25th in opponent free throws per game (29.6)
📚 Best Nuggets From Coaching Books
— Mike Jagacki (@Mike_Jagacki) November 2, 2025
This one comes from The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle — one of the most underlined and highlighted books in my library.
The section I’m posting a picture of is about the Spurs and Gregg Popovich.
“One misconception about highly successful… pic.twitter.com/E2yO4JcfMV
