The thrill of a competitive game between two NBA heavyweights! Last night’s matchup between the Celtics and Cavaliers was an entertaining affair, with both teams trading blows and showcasing their skills. As a basketball fan, it was a treat to watch. However, as a Celtics fan, it was a frustrating experience.
Let’s face it, the Celtics had this game in the bag – not once, but twice. They built substantial leads, only to squander them and allow the Cavaliers to come back and win. It’s hard to sugarcoat it; the Celtics choked. And it’s not just about this one game; it’s a pattern that’s emerged in their matchups against the Cavaliers this season.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been replicating the Celtics’ 2023-24 season, and it’s time to acknowledge that they’re a legitimate force to be reckoned with. They’ve maintained a high level of play throughout the season, and their wins against the Celtics haven’t been flukes. They’ve earned them by executing better in high-leverage situations.
One of the main reasons for the Celtics’ struggles against the Cavaliers is their inability to solve their Donovan Mitchell problem. Mitchell has been a thorn in the Celtics’ side, consistently scoring big against them. His career average of 30.8 points against the Celtics is the highest in NBA history, surpassing even Michael Jordan’s mark.
The Celtics’ defense has been poor in recent games, and it was no different last night. They allowed 123 points, 47% shooting, and 17 three-pointers, while only forcing seven turnovers. Their perimeter resistance was lacking, and they struggled to contain Mitchell and Darius Garland.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers’ defense has been solid, and they’ve shown an ability to adapt and make adjustments. They’ve been able to limit the Celtics’ scoring opportunities and capitalize on their mistakes.
The Celtics’ bench has been a liability all season, and last night was no exception. They scored a paltry six points, while the Cavaliers’ reserves poured in 33 points. The Celtics’ starters had their moments, but the bench’s lack of production was a significant factor in the loss.
As the Celtics move forward, they need to focus on executing better in crunch time. They can’t afford to waste possessions and allow their opponents to capitalize on their mistakes. They need to be more disciplined on defense and rebounding, and they need to find a way to solve their Mitchell problem.
The good news is that the Celtics have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They have the talent and the potential to be a championship contender. But they need to put it all together and play a complete game if they want to succeed against the league’s elite teams.
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