Celtics Struggle with 3-Point Shooting Early in Season

Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, both prolific 3-point shooters last season, are struggling significantly this year. According to the Boston Herald, Pritchard's shooting percentage from beyond the arc is currently a league-worst 21.3%, having made just 13 of 61 attempts.

White isn't faring much better, ranking 171st among 178 qualified shooters with a 26.3% success rate, hitting only 20 of 76 shots. This decline has heavily impacted the Celtics, who have seen their overall 3-point percentage plummet to 31.2%, only ahead of the Indiana Pacers for the worst in the league.

Despite losing the gravity of superstar Jayson Tatum and no longer having the shooting presence of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, the Celtics are generating quality shot opportunities. The report states that 88.7% of their 3-point attempts have been classified as open or wide open, yet they are shooting just 27% on open threes, down from 35% last season.

In a recent game against the Utah Jazz, the Celtics attempted 51 3-pointers, with 50 being open or wide open, but managed to convert only 11, resulting in a 21.6% shooting percentage, one of the worst in coach Joe Mazzulla's tenure.

White acknowledged feeling shy during the game, while Pritchard pointed out that he had missed some wide-open shots that he typically makes. Both players are adjusting to new roles since Tatum's injury and the offseason trade of Jrue Holiday, with Pritchard stepping into the starting lineup and White taking on a larger offensive role.

Coach Mazzulla has defended both players, highlighting their contributions as playmakers and defenders. For the Celtics to improve their offensive efficiency, which currently ranks near the bottom of the league in field-goal percentage, effective field-goal percentage, and true shooting percentage, they will need to regain their shooting form.

Pritchard remains optimistic, stating that he expects his shooting percentages to normalize over the course of the season, and he is focused on contributing to the team in other ways until then.