Why are the Celtics sucking so badly right now?

[Green Pride]

We just won 9 of 10 before this recent downturn. The team looked as good in that stretch as it has since the beginning of last year. The keys during that stretch were a) lock-down defense, anchored by an in-shape KG; b) strong ball movement on offense; c) team ball, on both ends, with everyone contributing.

Last night, no KG, no Bass (who is a really integral part of spacing the offense), and we were back to the Rondo show we saw at the beginning of the season. We can play well with Rondo, but we need to do it in a way that he's not responsible for 60%+ of the points.

Things will get better when KG and Bass return -- 2 of our core 6 are out (not counting JO); as much as I like JJ and the Steamer, you don't win with rookies playing rotation minutes in this league. If those guys are occasional energy/role guys, fine, but not as core guys, yet.
 

[j804]

Lockout???

I think people seem to forget all about it we aren't getting the normal rest were accustomed to. I know everybody deals with it and thats why lots of teams are up and down save for the really young and athletic ones and that's just how its going to be this year, enjoy or hate the ride.

[Celtics4ever]

Rondo let our two best scorers on the team to get off a total of 16 shots.  Completely unacceptable

They were not the best scorers last night,  they made 4 of those 16 shots so Rondo compensated.

[celtics2]

It is frustrating to lose to teams which we do not lose to in the past. The problem in my opinion is that we are very soft in the middle, Allen is not the player he used to be. Pierce is too slow at times. Do we really suck now? Banner 18 is a pipe dream as of the moment IMO.

C'mon how long did you think this was going to go on. There's no pinch hitters type jobs in basketball where some failing skills aren't visible. We are dying on the vine. We are a  500 club witnessed by the necessary career type game Rondo had against Detroit, Detroit I mind you!

[Reyquila]

Mother Time has caught up with a bunch of them. Mother tiem never misses; she just toys with some more than with others, but at the end of the day, she always gets you; no exceptions. Why is it so difficult to accept?

[jpd985]

Rebounding. Their rebounding is horrendous and worries me more than their offense.

[Carhole]

Because we can't rebound and we can't get to the line/easy baskets. Only the two most important parts of playoff basketball.

The run ended last year and this is a tough situation for an older team. Hopefully they can get healthy and show well in the playoffs (hard fought second round) because they deserve it.

Is pp still slowed down from injury or after 12+ years has he just turned into strictly a jump shooter? he is so passive and not attacking the rim at all at the moment. (last night he did it early)

[Reyquila]

They have also gotten afraid of the refs. The refs dont le them play to their fullest. Its al Stern's fault.