Kevin McHale questions Celtics' 3-point heavy approach: 'The ball has got to touch the paint'

Kevin McHale wants Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to win another title together with the Celtics. He questions aspects of the Celtics’ play style after recent early playoff exits. He says there comes a time when the ball must touch the paint, with more attacking to put opponents on their heels and collapse defenses. The Celtics led the league in 3-point attempts in the regular season and postseason, but struggled to generate points in the paint and free-throw attempts. They shot 22.9 percent from beyond the arc in four losses to the 76ers and became the first Celtics team to blow a 3-1 series lead. McHale believes championship teams used multiple plans rather than repeating what was not working.

"“Some days the 3-point shooting contest gets a little bit much for me and I do some head shaking,” McHale said. “Basketball has changed in a lot of ways.” “So, the Celtics - I like them and I think [coach] Joe Mazzulla has done a good job. But I just think there comes a time when the ball has got to touch the paint. You've got to attack, you've got to put people on their heels, and you've got to collapse a defense.”"

"The Celtics led the league in 3-point attempts during the regular-season and postseason. They struggled to generate points in the paint and free-throw attempts. They shot 22.9 percent from beyond the arc in their four losses to the 76ers during these playoffs on their way to becoming the first team in Celtics history to blow a 3-1 series lead."

"Brad Stevens touched on the Celtics' need for better shot variance during his end of the year press conference and said the Celtics may need to add to the team in order to get there. McHale, who had stints coaching the Timberwolves and Rockets after his playing days, also sees a need for the Celtics to find more ways to score."

"“We were never caught out of rhythm with Larry [Bird], because if Plan A wasn't working, he went to Plan B,” McHale said. “And if Plan B wasn't working, he went to Plan C. If C wasn't working, he went to D. It wasn't, 'I'm just going to do what's not working.”"

Read at Boston.com