Celtics’ Slump Continues: Time to Wake Up and Get Back to Standard
The Boston Celtics have hit a rough patch, losing three of their last four games, including two consecutive losses in embarrassing fashion. This stretch of mediocre basketball is a far cry from the championship standard they’ve set for themselves.
The Good: Jayson Tatum Shines
One bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance was Jayson Tatum’s outstanding game. Despite being under the weather, Tatum put up 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading the Celtics in potential assists with 12. His efficiency and aggression on the glass were a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing loss.
The Bad: Defense Falls Apart
The Celtics’ defense has been atrocious, particularly in the 4th quarter. They’ve allowed opponents to shoot 45.3% from the field and 39% from three-point range, resulting in an average of 114 points per game. This lack of defensive effort has cost them three games, including the latest loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Turnovers and Careless Play
The Celtics have been careless with the ball, turning it over 6 times in the first quarter against the 76ers. This led to 9 early points for the opposing team, putting the Celtics in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. Derrick White’s ball security has been a concern, with 9 turnovers in the last two games.
Bench Struggles
The bench has been a liability, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser struggling to make an impact. Pritchard’s shooting has been off, and Hauser’s back injury has limited his effectiveness. The Celtics need a reliable bench scorer to take some pressure off the starters.
Free Throws Matter
Missed free throws have been a crucial factor in the Celtics’ losses. They’ve missed 5 free throws in each of the last two games, while their opponents have been perfect from the line. Jaylen Brown’s 3 missed free throws in the 4th quarter were particularly costly.
The Ugly: Jaylen Brown’s Performance
Jaylen Brown’s performance was a mixed bag. While he came alive in the 3rd quarter, his first half was marred by poor decision-making and turnovers. His defensive effort was lacking, and his missed free throws in the 4th quarter were critical. The Celtics need Brown to find a balance between aggression and smart play.
Time to Get Back to Standard
The Celtics need to wake up and get back to their championship standard. They can’t continue to coast on defense and expect to win games. With the Pacers up next, they need to lock in and show some pride on the defensive end. Anything less will result in more embarrassing losses.
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