Every time the Boston Celtics lose a game in which they shoot badly from 3-point range, a familiar theme reverberates throughout the media landscape: the Celtics rely too heavily on outside shooting, and it will cost them in the playoffs. The latest example was their collapse against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, when they shot 17-of-58. 

To be fair, the detractors are correct. The Celtics rank at the bottom of the league in terms of free throw attempts (22nd) and points in the paint (28th), but they lead the league in terms of percentage of points scored from behind the arc (40.9). When their shots don’t fall, they can struggle to make up the difference with simple points and, at times, become obstinate in their approach. 

However, the complaints only occur on rare occasions. When the 3s are going in, everyone likes them, and they usually do. The Celtics lead the league in 3-point attempts (43.3) and makes (16.4) per game, while ranking ninth in percentage (37.8). 

They’ve made at least 15 three-pointers in 21 of their 28 games, going 18-3 when they do. They are 11-0 with a margin of victory of 21.2 points in 11 games where they have made 18 or more three-pointers. When it comes to percentages, they’ve shot at least 33.3% 20 times and are undefeated in those games. They are also undefeated in the 12 games in which they have shot at least 40%, with an average margin of victory of 20.4 points. 

When they enjoy a half-decent night from downtown, they’re nearly invincible. And you have no chance against them if they have an above-average night. 

That is why they will continue to launch and accept the results. Look no farther than their two-game dominance against the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers. After going ice cold against the Warriors, they doubled down and hit 95 three-pointers in the next two games. They made a whopping 47 of them and strolled over two of the Western Conference’s top teams on the road in three days, a 25-point triumph over the Kings and a 37-point thrashing of the Clippers. 

They made 25 three-pointers against the Clippers, which is tied for the most in the NBA this season, and their 47 three-pointers are the most in a two-game span in franchise history. In addition, they scored 140 points or more in three straight games for the third time in team history. 

“We’ve been playing the right way,” Jayson Tatum said after beating the Clippers on Saturday. “We’ve just been hitting shots really well.” We just keep creating opportunities, and everyone on the court can shoot. It’s difficult to assist against us, and it’s difficult to guard individuals one-on-one, so we cause a lot of issues.” 

To Tatum’s point, the Celtics’ 43.3 3-point tries per game are classed as “open” or “wide-open” by the NBA’s data site – the second-most in the league – and they shoot 39.0% on those attempts. 

There will be nights when the shots don’t fall, and the Celtics must be better about getting downhill when that happens. But, given their ability to consistently produce and make open 3s, it’s no surprise they’ll stick with it. After all, they boast the league’s best record (22-6) and the fourth-highest offensive rating (120.3). 

“We just try to play to our strengths,” Tatum explained. “Nine out of ten times, everyone on the floor can space the floor and shoot.” We constantly try to create the advantage and find the open man, whether we’re shooting 50% or 20%… You play 82 games, and some nights you’ll be incredibly hot, while others you’ll miss shots. We’ll always live with it if you’re taking the appropriate shots.”