Film Room: How the Celtics Defend Joel Embiid

From the strategy behind their double teams to what most needs improvement, a look at how the Celtics try to slow down Joel Embiid.

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In the Celtics' first two matchups against the Sixers this season, how Boston double-teamed Joel Embiid was less about spinning the dial, a staple of how Brad Stevens schemed to slow down Philadelphia's star center, and more about timing.

For example, on the first possession of the opening night matchup between these two Eastern Conference rivals, Al Horford forces Embiid to catch the ball further out than desired. Derrick White's there to prevent him from ripping through off the catch, building momentum to get into the paint or spin baseline. Instead, White's presence makes the six-time All-Star more predictable and easier for Horford to defend.

When Tyrese Maxey cuts through, removing White from the equation, that's Jaylen Brown's cue to double Embiid, getting there as the latter starts his attack. That prompts Embiid to spin baseline, which Horford's been waiting for, and with Brown draped on him, the former scoring champion misses a fadeaway jumper.

In the example below from their second matchup, like Horford, Blake Griffin gets Embiid to catch the ball further from the hoop than he wants. The double team doesn't come immediately, but as Embiid reaches the paint, he sees White coming at him, and with Grant Williams also dropping down, it halts his momentum. 

White helping from the nail doesn't leave the Sixer closest to him, Tobias Harris, open, forcing Embiid to figure out his best outlet on the fly as White's sprinting at him. Rather than trying to get the ball to De'Anthony Melton in the far-side corner or kicking it back out to James Harden, Embiid settles for a low-percentage fadeaway that doesn't come close.

The Celtics were also willing to live with Embiid showing off his deft touch from the mid-range. So long as he doesn't draw a foul, the math works in Boston's favor. 

The hosts of the first two tilts between these two could've reached less in the first matchup, which helped the four-time All-NBA center take nine free throws. Keeping that amount to single digits is a victory, but giving Embiid fewer opportunities to draw fouls in round two reduced that figure to seven in round two. 

The Celtics were also comfortable playing off Embiid when stationed beyond the arc. He went 1/6 on threes on opening night and 1/3 in the second matchup at TD Garden.

One area Boston could stand to improve is defending the Harden-Embiid pick-and-roll. 

As evidenced by Malcolm Brogdon not helping off Maxey until Harden delivers the pass to Embiid, the priority is not giving up an open three. As long as the Celtics can afford to give up the deuce, that's fine, but this is still too easy. Without more resistance, Philadelphia would be foolish not to feast on this. It also comes with the risk of sending Embiid to the foul line after he gets the ball coming downhill.

In the play below, White's help gets Harden to pick up his dribble, but with Marcus Smart not wanting to yield an open three to Tobias Harris, he's on Embiid's back. Given Tatum stays in the paint, it seems best to have him tag the roller and let Smart zone two, accounting for Harris and P.J. Tucker in the right corner.

And while Embiid only committed two turnovers in round two against Boston, he had six on opening night, a testament to the hosts never letting their star guest get comfortable.

Lastly, a development that stood out in the second meeting between these two teams was the job Grant Williams did against Embiid. The former's strength, mobility, and basketball IQ make him an effective one-person wall.

In the example below, even though Embiid's coming downhill with momentum, the fact it's Williams sliding in front of him gets the former Kansas Jayhawk to settle for a mid-range jumper that draws iron.

Later, Williams plays tight to Embiid, keeps his arms out to avoid fouling, and doesn't let the latter create separation with his off-arm or turn the corner. The shot missing is good fortune, but there's no denying Williams did his job.

The former Tennessee Volunteer is also responsible for one of Embiid's two turnovers in the second matchup, utilizing a well-timed swipe.

Even here, on a critical stop late in that game, after Embiid creates separation with a jab step, Williams quickly recovers, turning this into a contested fadeaway that airballs.

With the two remaining matchups this regular season taking place in Philadelphia, the Celtics need to stay disciplined about limiting Embiid's free-throw attempts. They'll also need to provide more resistance against what figures to be a higher volume of pick-and-rolls between the Sixers' star center and Harden. 

But overall, Boston has a blueprint for slowing down Embiid that's proven effective. Continuing to execute that script positions the Celtics to win the season series against an opponent in third in the East and three games behind them in the standings.

Further Reading

[Film Room] What Worked for Celtics' Starters vs. Pacers and What Needs Addressing

Jayson Tatum Discusses Hard Fall on His Injured Left Wrist

Jaylen Brown Reveals How Protective Mask Impacts His Game

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Pacers: Boston Weathers the Storm

Top Celtics Buyout Option Set to Reach Free Agency

Jayson Tatum Unveils Jordan Tatum 1's

Wyc Grousbeck Expects Celtics to Make Another Move: 'We’re Not Saving Roster Spots for a Rainy Day'

Brad Stevens Discusses Decision to Remove Interim Tag from Joe Mazzulla's Title: 'The Hardest Thing to Do Would Be Going into the Playoffs Looking Over Your Shoulder'