Are we having fun yet?

[Q_FBE]

It was OK until the Stinkbomb was laid out tonight.

[GreenFaith1819]

The lesson to be learned here is a pretty consistent one in this great game: Single games aren't meaningful, folks. Look for trends. Look for extended stretches of excellence - the one thing this group has consistently failed to provide this season.

It was inevitable that Cleveland would consciously step up the pressure and the tempo of the game. The key to this series is found in how the Celtics respond: And tonight was an absolutely miserable failure that places the short-term future of this season in doubt.

So if I read this right, then Boston just didn't show up defensively last night, correct?

Because Game One in CLE was to be had by Boston - game had questionable officiating, Pierce didn't shoot well, and Lebron had to play well in order for CLE to beat us by 8 points.

Game Two - The Team was upset with the results from Game One - a game they should've won. They use that intensity (And Sheed getting hot) to pull out a very convincing win.

So in my mindset, CLE only won One Game - last night.

I still feel good about our Opportunity.

And I cannot agree with you on the short-term future statement. The win was shocking, but if this team has any shred of dignity left then they will fight back.

And they will.

[PosImpos]

The lesson to be learned here is a pretty consistent one in this great game: Single games aren't meaningful, folks. Look for trends. Look for extended stretches of excellence - the one thing this group has consistently failed to provide this season.

It was inevitable that Cleveland would consciously step up the pressure and the tempo of the game. The key to this series is found in how the Celtics respond: And tonight was an absolutely miserable failure that places the short-term future of this season in doubt.

So if I read this right, then Boston just didn't show up defensively last night, correct?

Because Game One in CLE was to be had by Boston - game had questionable officiating, Pierce didn't shoot well, and Lebron had to play well in order for CLE to beat us by 8 points.

Game Two - The Team was upset with the results from Game One - a game they should've won. They use that intensity (And Sheed getting hot) to pull out a very convincing win.

So in my mindset, CLE only won One Game - last night.

I still feel good about our Opportunity.

And I cannot agree with you on the short-term future statement. The win was shocking, but if this team has any shred of dignity left then they will fight back.

And they will.

But as you implied, if Sheed didn't get hot and hit 3 long range shots he usually has no business making, it's entirely likely the Celtics might not have won Game 2.  In which case they'd now be down 3-0.

So you can spin it both ways.

[thirstyboots18]

It can not be spun!  We are down 2-1...there is no if...

We are not finished with the second round yet...and the Cavs haven't won round two yet. 

My suggestion on how to win three more games is not based on Rasheed's play.  It is not based on Kevin Garnett's play, or Pierce's, or Rondo's, Perk's, or the bench. It is based on passion.

Rajon Rondo is the obvious and rightful new floor leader and has played brilliantly.  The rest of the team is perfectly capable of great play, they are reasonably healthy, and they have had time to work on their spacing and timing.

I feel that Kevin Garnett is still the emotional leader of this team and he must throw his passion behind his team and  lead, or push, them to perform the way we have come to expect them to perform.  Last night my heart sank when KG, Perk and PP were shown on the bench looking like they were just waiting for the game to be over so that they could go home.  I understand that feeling, but I want them to be screaming encouragement at their team who are on the floor...urging them to show life, close the gap, fight until the end...in other words show the Cavs that this game is only a fluke and that we are a team of fighters.  Kevin, become the ravenous animal again...we know you are a great player, but now you have to carry the team with emotion rather than skill...

Everyone must be passionately involved.  UBUNTU.  I know it still must exist...remember it.

[CoachBo]

The lesson to be learned here is a pretty consistent one in this great game: Single games aren't meaningful, folks. Look for trends. Look for extended stretches of excellence - the one thing this group has consistently failed to provide this season.

It was inevitable that Cleveland would consciously step up the pressure and the tempo of the game. The key to this series is found in how the Celtics respond: And tonight was an absolutely miserable failure that places the short-term future of this season in doubt.

So if I read this right, then Boston just didn't show up defensively last night, correct?

Because Game One in CLE was to be had by Boston - game had questionable officiating, Pierce didn't shoot well, and Lebron had to play well in order for CLE to beat us by 8 points.

Game Two - The Team was upset with the results from Game One - a game they should've won. They use that intensity (And Sheed getting hot) to pull out a very convincing win.

So in my mindset, CLE only won One Game - last night.

I still feel good about our Opportunity.

And I cannot agree with you on the short-term future statement. The win was shocking, but if this team has any shred of dignity left then they will fight back.

And they will.

No, you didn't read this right. This team didn't show up last night, period. In any phase of the game. There isn't a number from this game to back up any suggestion that the Celtics played well in any phase.

And the sooner some of you get it through your head that this is a professional game - not a high school game - where silliness like Ubuntu and crowd emotion matter, the better you'll be able to assimilate what's taking place on the floor.

And no, I totally disagree with anyone who blames Game 1 on the officials. The Celtics executed an aggressive, attacking gameplan beautifully in the first half of the first game, then totally quit doing what got them in the lead. Whining about officiating is just a bunch of fans trying to fabricate an alibi for unintelligent, bad basketball. It is not an excuse.

I've been saying on this board for days that Cleveland would ratchet up the pressure in Game 3 - attacking the basket, pressuring defensively. How the Celtics responded would define a lot.

We got answer number one last night and it's grim: This club folded its tent and meekly went home, refusing to match an attacking offense and a pressuring defense with any remote iota of the same.

It's a grim picture, and if it doesn't change - dramatically - the season is over.

[fairweatherfan]

I'm sure back to having fun again...anybody else? 

[angryguy77]

I don't know about everyone else, but I haven't stopped smiling.

[thirstyboots18]

I don't know about everyone else, but I haven't stopped smiling.

Me either, angryguy.  My cheeks are starting to hurt! 

[fairweatherfan]

Bumping this to say that other than the last 18 minutes of Game 4 and all of Game 6 against the Lakers, I'm enjoying this more than I even did in 08.  Let's keep this going guys!

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, all I know is that my 11 year old is now looking like a Star for wearing his Celtics T's to middle school - even back in Febuary and March.

And he missed some sleep last night..he stayed up with me to watch the Celtics win.

He went to bed with a Joker-like grin on his face - minus the makeup of course.

[Roy Hobbs]

Bumping this to say that other than the last 18 minutes of Game 4 and all of Game 6 against the Lakers, I'm enjoying this more than I even did in 08.  Let's keep this going guys!

It's been a heck of a run.  Surprisingly, this has been a heck of a lot smoother than in 2008.  I can't say that I'm necessarily enjoying it more -- 2008 was a special run -- but it's definitely a different feeling (and a great one.)

[jackson_34]

I'm with Chill Dog; just have to take it easy, chill, and wait for the Celtics to reach the finals again.

[lovely_20]

I don't know about everyone else, but I haven't stopped smiling.

 

Absolutely. This team is playing incredible basketball right now, and I am enjoying every minute.

[twinbree]

Yes as nail-biting as this roller coaster postseason has been so far, it's been incredible. Winning (mostly) ugly with defense and by frustrating the opposition. Just how I like it.