Raptors (33-12) at Celtics (25-18) Game #44 1/16/19

[celticinorlando]

Might be this is just a playoff team built for that. Will be good if they can get to the 3 seed. Really want to avoid the 4-5 match up.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Seriously, if you ever said we don't need Kyrie, you should be kicked off this forum.

In clutch time in four straight possessions, this man has gone 2-2 for 5 huge points with two other assists to Horford to seal the game.

I didn't catch the game, but this is exactly what I've been calling for -- this team can contend if Kyrie is an elite facilitator and uses his offensive talent to get every one involved.  We become Golden State-scary if he commits to that.

Unsure if it was you who asked a couple of games where Hayward’s wife is, but if it was, she’s expecting a baby any minute now

Really? It was me, and man has Gordy done well with his life.   

[Phantom255x]

So, for all of our struggles this year, we're 6 - 3 against the top 4 teams of the East. That's pretty dang good with as good as the top of the East has been this year.

Yeah but haven’t you heard. Those 3 teams are just way more talented than us, especially The Process with Ben “Lebron James” Simmons! 

[gouki88]

Seriously, if you ever said we don't need Kyrie, you should be kicked off this forum.

In clutch time in four straight possessions, this man has gone 2-2 for 5 huge points with two other assists to Horford to seal the game.

I didn't catch the game, but this is exactly what I've been calling for -- this team can contend if Kyrie is an elite facilitator and uses his offensive talent to get every one involved.  We become Golden State-scary if he commits to that.

Unsure if it was you who asked a couple of games where Hayward’s wife is, but if it was, she’s expecting a baby any minute now

Really? It was me, and man has Gordy done well with his life.   

Yup, the commentary team were talking about it. He really has!

[RJ87]

This team needs to begin going more and more to Tatum as THE second option.

I'd agree, if he'd make a concerted effort to be more aggressive.  He showed against the Nets that he's nearly unguardable when he makes the effort to attack the rim.  We just don't get that version of him nearly enough IMO.

Exactly. We should ban him from midrange shots the rest of the year, D'Antoni style.

[Tr1boy]

Seriously, if you ever said we don't need Kyrie, you should be kicked off this forum.

In clutch time in four straight possessions, this man has gone 2-2 for 5 huge points with two other assists to Horford to seal the game.

I didn't catch the game, but this is exactly what I've been calling for -- this team can contend if Kyrie is an elite facilitator and uses his offensive talent to get every one involved.  We become Golden State-scary if he commits to that.

18 assists, must be his ca4eer high 

This is what Kyrie has to do

[SparzWizard]

Great win.

But I still can't figure this team out. Blow out Indiana, beat Toronto.  But recently got our butts kicked by Miami and Brooklyn.

Hopefully this win gets us on the path to consistency.

Um...they play MUCH better at home, and suck on the road.  Really it.

Sounds like the Patriots this year. Play much better at home and especially show up against playoff-caliber opponents, but lose to scrub teams and losing on the road.

[ozgod]

So, for all of our struggles this year, we're 6 - 3 against the top 4 teams of the East. That's pretty dang good with as good as the top of the East has been this year.

 In a way that’s what’s really frustrating because we clearly have the ability to compete with the best. But when we’re playing teams other than the best we don’t often give our best. It’s a mental thing where when they get themselves up for a  marquee opponent like Toronto, Milwaukee, Indiana, Philly they can mix it with anyone but when it’s Orlando, Miami they don’t always come out with the same intensity particularly on the defensive end.

[Atzar]

I've been critical of them recently, so credit where it's due:  Horford and Hayward showed up in a big way tonight.  24 points on 9-12 shooting with 7 boards and 2 blocks for Horford.  18 points on 8-13 with 5 dimes for Hayward. 

We need them to play well more often.  I don't expect 24 out of Horford every night (though I feel like 18/5 should eventually become the norm for Hayward when he recovers fully), but I think it's reasonable to expect them to be engaged and aggressive like this every night. 

[jpotter33]

So, for all of our struggles this year, we're 6 - 3 against the top 4 teams of the East. That's pretty dang good with as good as the top of the East has been this year.

One of those losses against the Bucks was with Al not playing!

Yep, but don't forget about Baynes and Morris being out, too. That's significant.

Also, both of the other losses to Indy and Toronto were close losses, too, with Indy winning by 1 and the Toronto game being similar to this one as in it was close until the last two minutes or so.

[RockinRyA]

I've been critical of them recently, so credit where it's due:  Horford and Hayward showed up in a big way tonight.  24 points on 9-12 shooting with 7 boards and 2 blocks for Horford.  18 points on 8-13 with 5 dimes for Hayward. 

We need them to play well more often.  I don't expect 24 out of Horford every night (though I feel like 18/5 should eventually become the norm for Hayward when he recovers fully), but I think it's reasonable to expect them to be engaged and aggressive like this every night.

Horford should only really be expected to play like this in marquee matchups and playoffs. I'm fine with him playing lower minutes against other teams, just as long as Baynes+1 more big is healthy.

Hayward really needs to be given the reigns of the 2nd unit. In turn, he must stay aggressive andmake plays for that unit.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

great finish against the team they'll have to beat to get to the finals.  where was this effort the other night when they collapsed down the stretch?

That's one of this team's big problems: They seem to get up for the good teams, but often crap out against the bad. It's nice to have a good combined record against Toronto, Milwaukee, Philly, and Indiana, but the fact that they've struggled so much against bad teams tells me that these guys often don't have their heads in the right place. And that poor play is going to cost them big-time with playoff seeding and home court.

[Phantom255x]

Having Baynes back was also a refreshing site to see.

I root for Timelord but the reality is, we really missed Baynes in recent times and when both Horford and Baynes are out or less than 100%, then that creates a problem for this team given our depth in the center department.

He was fantastic tonight and we really needed that. We also missed him in the recent Bucks game we played where he could have made an impact (along with Horford who also missed that game).

And Baynes is the only guy on the team with a ring (championship experience) so he can also help set the tone for this team and guide them to hopefully a Finals run.

[Jvalin]

Not the biggest fan of Kyrie, but I got to admit he was truly special tonight!

[RockinRyA]

great finish against the team they'll have to beat to get to the finals.  where was this effort the other night when they collapsed down the stretch?

That's one of this team's big problems: They seem to get up for the good teams, but often crap out against the bad. It's nice to have a good combined record against Toronto, Milwaukee, Philly, and Indiana, but the fact that they've struggled so much against bad teams tells me that these guys often don't have their heads in the right place. And that poor play is going to cost them big-time with playoff seeding and home court.

I believe we are 0-2 against the Magic