December 17, 2025
Boston Celtics "CHEESECAKE FACTORY" offense: MUST BE ready for anything
Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston CelticsAbout this episode
Boston Celtics search for offensive identity as isolation-heavy sets spark debate—are they the Cheesecake Factory of the NBA? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Tom Westerholm break down the Celtics’ stunning shift between fast-paced ball movement and slow, methodical isos, questioning whether Jaylen Brown’s isolation scoring can consistently carry the load without contributions from the bench or without Jayson Tatum. The duo shines a spotlight on Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and the emergence of Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott, dissecting lineup efficiency against key opponents like the Detroit Pistons and the OKC Thunder. Examining Joe Mazzulla’s lineup adjustments, the conversation heats up around small ball lineups, trade rumors for another playable big, and the need for balance between isolation and ball movement. Can the Celtics thrive with a menu of options, or is a signature style still out of reach? Don’t miss this insightful look at Boston’s evolving path to contention. 0:00 Celtics' Identity 2:17 Offensive Rankings & Isolation Discussion 7:03 Jaylen Brown's Iso Role 14:04 Importance of Offensive Balance 17:41 Small Ball Lineup Concerns 24:29 Celtics as Cheesecake Factory Metaphor Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! SKIMS Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com . When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you. The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered. Gusto Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Rugiet Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order. And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you. Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves. Rocket Money Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today. Wayfair Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney . Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.