Champions Find a Way to Win
Last night’s performance by the defending champions was undoubtedly their worst of the season. But, in a strange twist, it might just be the wake-up call they needed. Despite playing poorly, they managed to grind out a win, and that’s what champions do.
The Good
Jayson Tatum delivered when it mattered most, scoring crucial points and making key plays down the stretch. His passing has been phenomenal, with 32 potential assists in the last two games. Brad Stevens’ decision to keep Payton Pritchard has proven to be a masterstroke, as he’s become a rotation player and a contender for Sixth Man of the Year. Joe Mazzulla’s tribute to Stevens with a clever play call was a highlight of the game. Al Horford, now a Knight and a Champion, showed up when it mattered most, making a clutch three-pointer in overtime.
The Bad
The Celtics’ start to the game was atrocious, with missed shots, poor defense, and careless turnovers. They struggled to handle physical ball pressure, which is a concern. Tatum missed several technical free throws, and his defensive effort was lacking for most of the game. The team was outrebounded 51-39, which is unacceptable. Xavier Tillman and Justin Walsh need to step up their game, particularly from beyond the arc.
The Ugly
The Celtics’ three-point shooting was abysmal, with a 14-53 record from deep. They were 4-14 on open three-pointers and 10-31 on wide-open attempts. This kind of shooting performance would normally result in a loss, but somehow they managed to win. Jayson Tatum’s careless ball handling in high-leverage situations is a concern that needs to be addressed.
Despite the ugly win, the Celtics showed character and grit. They refused to give up, even when things weren’t going their way. This kind of resilience is what separates champions from pretenders. As they move forward, they’ll need to build on this win and find ways to improve their performance.
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