Terry picks apart zone defense

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BOSTONJason Terry has no idea how well he will perform numbers-wise from one game to another.

But if it's a team that plans to use zone defense for an extended period of time, let's just say Terry's fantasy league owners might be in for a bit of a spike in points that night.

The Raptors' use of a zone put Terry in a comfort zone unlike any he has experienced thus far in Boston, and the result was a season-high 20 points and the Celtics pulling away for a 107-89 win.

"If you are going to go zone, you need Jason Terry on the floor," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "He's a zone breaker."

Not only does Terry's prowess at shooting 3s make him an ideal zone-buster, but his time in Dallas under current Mavs head coach and former Celtic Rick Carlisle has only enhanced his familiarity with zone defenses.

"In Dallas they played a lot of zone defense," Rivers said. "So that would tell you, he's practiced against it. You can see that."

Terry, who ranks fourth all-time in NBA history in 3-pointers made (1,803), nailed four 3-pointers on Saturday that all came at a time when the C's needed a basket to get on track or cement a strong surge to put away a pesky Toronto team.

"Terry Stotts (head coach in Portland), Dwane Casey (Toronto head coach), Rick Carlisle (head coach in Dallas) ... all the guys I know are going to play zone, I get extra excited (about playing against)," Terry said. "As you know, in the zone they're going to pack it in. They don't want to give up anything inside. Shooters are going to be wide open."

And if you're talking about one of the all-time greats, being left wide open, the result in that is clear - buckets.

In addition to the volume of shots made by Terry (he was 7-for-10 shooting), the timing of Terry's baskets was even more instrumental in the Celtics win.

After the Raptors cut Boston's lead to 63-61 in the third quarter following a pair of Andrea Bargnani free throws, Terry hit a 3-pointer to push the Celtics lead back to five points.

That set off a 16-3 run by Boston to close out the quarter, a run that included two additional 3-pointers by Terry.

"Knowing the offense we were running, it's a tough situation (for opposing defenses)," Terry said. "When our bigs roll hard, they have to be honored. As you see at the rim, they're catching, their finishing with dunks or lay-ups. When that happens, the defense has to suck in, they have to help. As a shooter, you love it. Your man has to tag, the ball comes; just be ready to shoot."

And that - being ready to shoot - has never been a problem for Terry.

"I don't think there will ever be any hesitation with Jason Terry," Rivers said. "Which is nice."

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