Something is missing from this team…

[ozgod]

To me it feels as if they're all waiting for the playoffs to come around. Taking weaker teams too lightly, ramping up against strong rivals, all of which reflects upon the coaching to me. We didn't just lose Ime.

But, Mazzulla has the locker-room humming. If we can stay healthy, then that will go a long way I believe.

I still don't favour any opposition team over us in a 7 game series.

My sentiments exactly. I think they're bored and they don't always put their best foot forward because they know that come playoff time we are built to beat nearly anyone (except Orlando  ) Most of these losses we've had are due to lack of mental fortitude or carelessness. It drives us crazy as fans because we want them to win every game, and it looks like at their best they can win every game, but I don't think they feel they have to (or maybe they just can't get themselves up for an epic Celtics vs Magic or Celtics vs Nets with no KD, no Cryrie matchup. If KD had still been at the Nets I feel there's no way they would have let go of the rope the way they did. It's a mental issue with them.

[Csfan1984]

What is missing is the state of mind that, "Hates losing more than they like winning". They are okay with losing. If the mind/energy can move to that they will be very good like at the start of the year.

[scaryjerry]

Biggest thing is Rob Williams being a shell of his former self and the team having 0 defensive identity.
 This core has always been up and down, they desperately wanted to choke away last years eastern conference finals against a team I thought they should’ve swept and then did choke under the pressure of the finals against a team I think they’re better then (even if curry is an all time great)

[slamtheking]

What is missing is the state of mind that, "Hates losing more they they like winning". They are okay with losing. If the mind/energy can move to that they will be very good like at the start of the year.

I was thinking something similar like this team is missing the love of winning.  didn't have to worry about this in prior generations of great players.  The great players hated losing.  This generation (not just the players on this team from what I've seen) is ok to just go through the motions as long as they make friends on the court.   screw that, this team needs someone to develop a meanstreak when it comes to teammates coasting and impose their drive to win on them.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

They are still a young team. They have a rookie coach. They need more experience. Bad losses help shape character. We will see how they respond tonight.

[SHAQATTACK]

Healthy Rob

[action781]

Stability in the starting lineup.  We've had our '22 playoff starting five start a total of 4 games this season I believe.  I don't know how we can expect consistency when our players available are not consistent.

I read people saying "Accountability".  Accountability for what?  We have the second best record (by half a game) and second best point differential in the NBA.  What do players need to be held accountable for that they aren't right now?

I think anyone thinking something is missing from this team is looking for perfection, which you're not going to find in any of the 30 teams in the league right now.  I'm personally happy enjoying this team that still has enough youth and hopefully future consistency to enable them to continue to grow which is a remarkable and rare opportunity for a team already at the top of the league.

[gouki88]

Biggest thing is Rob Williams being a shell of his former self and the team having 0 defensive identity.
 This core has always been up and down, they desperately wanted to choke away last years eastern conference finals against a team I thought they should’ve swept and then did choke under the pressure of the finals against a team I think they’re better then (even if curry is an all time great)

How does the 4th best defence in the league = no defensive identity?

[Csfan1984]

What is missing is the state of mind that, "Hates losing more than they like winning". They are okay with losing. If the mind/energy can move to that they will be very good like at the start of the year.

I was thinking something similar like this team is missing the love of winning.  didn't have to worry about this in prior generations of great players.  The great players hated losing.  This generation (not just the players on this team from what I've seen) is ok to just go through the motions as long as they make friends on the court.   screw that, this team needs someone to develop a meanstreak when it comes to teammates coasting and impose their drive to win on them.

Probably a generation thing. Society doesn't focus on winning being everything anymore, it's about playing well enough... If these players make allstars or get end of season awards they are happy. Same way they were happy getting to multiple ECFs as a good enough achievement. With this attitude they will always be missing that "winning edge".

[CelticSooner]

As long as they show up in the playoffs we won’t look back at this at all. Basically they are saying trust us but we aren’t sure if we can. Personally I don’t like it because if I get the idea something is wasting my time I’ll find something else to focus on. If they treat games like a scrimmage I will to. It’s not hard to judge a teams effort when you watch them for long enough.

[Roy H.]

If the team's approach is, we'll flip the switch in the playoffs, isn't that a little arrogant for a team that has won nothing?

It's basically blowing off the importance of both home court advantage and seeding.  Plus, it disrespects the paying customer, something the NBA and players seem to take for granted.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

If the team's approach is, we'll flip the switch in the playoffs, isn't that a little arrogant for a team that has won nothing?

It's basically blowing off the importance of both home court advantage and seeding.  Plus, it disrespects the paying customer, something the NBA and players seem to take for granted.

I think you’re assuming that they aren’t trying to win. I think that’s a faulty assumption. I don’t think they have demonstrated poor effort in many games. We will see what the effort looks like tonight against a pretty good Knicks team. If they play like that again tonight, I’ll concede that effort is an issue. If they play hard tonight, will you offer a similar concession? I’m guessing no.

The paying customer argument gets us to a point where some think it’s ok to shout obscenities at athletes as if it’s 1953 and not 2023. Those defending the treatment of Kyrie and DRaymond because they paid for that “right” should be ashamed.

[slamtheking]

If the team's approach is, we'll flip the switch in the playoffs, isn't that a little arrogant for a team that has won nothing?

It's basically blowing off the importance of both home court advantage and seeding.  Plus, it disrespects the paying customer, something the NBA and players seem to take for granted.

I think you’re assuming that they aren’t trying to win. I think that’s a faulty assumption. I don’t think they have demonstrated poor effort in many games. We will see what the effort looks like tonight against a pretty good Knicks team. If they play like that again tonight, I’ll concede that effort is an issue. If they play hard tonight, will you offer a similar concession? I’m guessing no.

The paying customer argument gets us to a point where some think it’s ok to shout obscenities at athletes as if it’s 1953 and not 2023. Those defending the treatment of Kyrie and DRaymond because they paid for that “right” should be ashamed.

they should feel no shame at all.  Draymond was an **** and treated as such.  Kryie, on the other hand, showed complete disdain and hatred for the fanbase, the franchise and the city.  Draymond's catcalls will be short lived.  Kyrie will be screamed at for the rest of his career.

[Moranis]

The team hasn't played like a .500 team since the 21-5 start, they are in fact 24-14.  It seems to me the only thing missing from the team is fans that are realistic.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

The team hasn't played like a .500 team since the 21-5 start, they are in fact 24-14.  It seems to me the only thing missing from the team is fans that are realistic.

TP. This is accurate.