The Celtics Need to Have Fun

[PosImpos]

None of the Celtics look like they enjoy playing basketball anymore.  I think a lot of our issues might be attributable to that problem. 

Focus, fire, and intensity...that's all great.  But if the players don't really enjoy playing the game with each other, then nothing else matters.

[celticinorlando]

older players in their twilight

[PosImpos]

older players in their twilight

I watch Steve Nash and Jason Kidd play and they seem to have a really great time.  They love it.  They rarely even look very tired.

Heck, Juwan Howard is older than all of them and he's playing with focus this year.  And I bet he enjoys the opportunity.

[Andy Jick]

It's hard to have fun when you're hurting...

[PosImpos]

It's hard to have fun when you're hurting...

Is the entire team in pain, then?  I know I am after watching the game today.

[Andy Jick]

It's hard to have fun when you're hurting...

Is the entire team in pain, then?  I know I am after watching the game today.

having played basketball for many years, let me say this: when you have guys that are 1) injured or 2) missing it causes the whole system to get out of whack...

when a guy is hurting he doesn't have the capabilities he had and it causes you to start to internally doubt if you can do things that you know you're capable of.

and if a guy is missing, guys are thrown into roles that they're aren't accustomed to.

it's no fun because there is too much thinking instead of reacting.  it's hard to enjoy yourself as a basketball player when what you've grown to have faith in (KG making big plays, Paul making critical shots, Ray nailing a big 3, etc.) - well, guys that aren't making those moments happen...

[Who]

I agree, the Celtics are lacking on the mental side of things.

Lacking belief, lacking intent, lacking energy.

They desperately need something to spark them.

Unfortunately, it feels like it's too late in the season + too many things are going wrong and adding pressure for the Celtics to have some loose games/practices. To relax and ease back into it. Hard to have fun in that situation.

I think they're going to have to grind it out. Do this the ugly way. Get a few middling wins on the bounce and build some momentum. Get their spark back and go on a win streak from there.

[fanofgreen]

older players in their twilight

I watch Steve Nash and Jason Kidd play and they seem to have a really great time.  They love it.  They rarely even look very tired.

Heck, Juwan Howard is older than all of them and he's playing with focus this year.  And I bet he enjoys the opportunity.

All of those guys, Nash, Jkidd, Juwan are our West, where every single game matters, because  2 thru 9 spots for playoffs seeding, are  up for grabs.

They have something to play for, and out west you could win/lose 2 or 3 games in a row and you can find yourself, either 2nd or 3rd in the west, or 7th or 8th.

In the East, things are so top heavy, that 2 or 3 game losing skid, wont do as much damage, seeding wise.There's less motivation to play each and every game, just because there's less at stake.