Celtics (0-1) at Nets (1-0) Round 1 Game 2 5/25/21

[radiohead]

That should be bulletin board material right there. I mean the Celtics can’t just be ok with that right?

[mr. dee]

That should be bulletin board material right there. I mean the Celtics can’t just be ok with that right?

Knowing this current team, they are probably smiling like nothing happened. lol

[LilRip]

tatum and brad are soft. it shouldn’t be a surprise that the c’s are soft.

This.

The boys need a stronger voice and character from the coach. The character of this team is a direct representation from the coaching. They're soft and have been allowed to develop bad habits all year because Brad does not instill any sort of discipline or accountability in these guys.

Hate ever agreeing with Perk, but he's right that the team needs a different voice. Of course it won't happen because Danny is just as much to blame with holding onto and overvaluing his guys too much - including the coach.

Doc got fired for only making it to the second round. Brad clearly gets a pass this year but one more year of this and he's gone. Maybe Danny too! The team is a mess of projects. Look how well oiled The Grizz look.


BBBAAANNNEEE!!!

Naw, tired of the excuses and "passes".

He's reached his limit with this team in particular and has made it clear that he doesn't connect with them at all, and it's fairly clear that his overall character and personality are not a great fit with our young stars.

And, sure, we got to several conference finals with him at the helm, but he's failed to get us past that point when at least two of those were definitely winnable series that we should've won (2018 and 2020).

I'm pretty exasperated with Brad, but given how long his extension is and how disjointed our team was injury and COVID-wise this year I'd be surprised if he moved on. Actually, I'd be floored.

But if we disappoint next season and we're healthy then Ainge will definitely be pressured to move him on.

if nash can get three of the biggest egos/ball hogs to buy in and focus on offensive ball movement, then why can’t brad? even the c’s scrubs move the ball 10x better than the starters, which proves it isn’t the system but lack of respect for brad’s leadership.

On egos, I don’t think we have a problem. Tatum, Kemba, Brown, Smart, TT, Pritchard, Timelord, Fournier... these guys all seem to be willing to share the ball. I don’t think we need to worry about CBS or the players there.

On the team’s preparedness though... either CBS comes unprepared (doubtful), the team’s tuning him out (maybe), or the team says and plans for one thing but in the end, end up doing another thing because that’s who they are (most likely).

Let me preface that even in a perfect situation, we’re likely not beating the Nets. Not this year at least. But what I’m about to say isn’t because of just game 1-2 but more because of how everything has shaken out.

I think the team needs a shake up in the offseason. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not because any particular party is a loser. Perfect example: Thibs. Coach Thibs is a championship level coach but teams have moved on from him and rightfully so because a culture change was needed. Not saying CBS should be fired (he’s on a long contract), but if the head coach isn’t moving, is it then some changes in the asst coaching staff? Is it changes in player personnel, like a trade that doesn’t involve the Jays? I think something needs to happen to shake this team up.

Right now, the team’s identity is: emotionally-driven effort and easing into games. Contrast that to the team identity of the less talented IT4 Celtics, which was built around being scrappy and having an underdog/challenger mentality. I think in a 7-game series, IT4’s Celtics beat this year’s Celtics.

[Somebody]

Brad out. This is unacceptable - Nash has been coaching circles around him since the first half in game 1, and it wasn't like Brad was coaching out of his mind in that half (let's face it, the Nets were a bit cold in the first 24 minutes of game 1). It's one thing to lose to a team with superior talent, but it's another thing to look absolutely clueless while the opposition is blowing you out for ***** and giggles.

Nash came in with a clear plan, system that worked and adjusted on the fly, Brad came in with a poor plan at best (tempted to say none), a system that has been crap for most of the season and made little to no adjustments, while the slight adjustments he made were so predictable and tame that they were neutered immediately.

I'm just praying that Ainge has woken up and smelt the coffee, we need to go for top coaches like Budenholzer if he gets sacked by the Bucks (it's entirely possible for him to coach well and still lose in the second round if the Nets get really hot).

[Birdman]

Nets by 18

I was close..unfortunately

[Somebody]

... because Brad (nor anyone on the coaching staff for that matter) does not instill any sort of discipline or accountability in these guys.

This starts at the top. Etc is in love with complacency in terms of coaching (CBS), player development (Ainge) and players. Honestly, I can’t continue to watch this team if a major personnel change doesn’t happen. I’m that far removed and that p---ed off how we have been so futile for so [dang] long. And spare me the 3 conference finals, everyone gets a trophy BS. None of those teams had a glimmer of a chance to win.

Yeah, more and more I've come to be disillusioned just as much with Danny. As the GM, he's allowing this to happen just as much as Brad.

And his bench building is inexcusable. How many years do we have to lose games/series based upon our lack of depth and bench because he fills them up with cheap rookies and young guys instead of prioritizing vet help?

What? Our 2020 team was definitely a legitimate title contender, Brad just blew it in the ECF like he did in 2018.

[seancally]

Brad out. This is unacceptable - Nash has been coaching circles around him since the first half in game 1, and it wasn't like Brad was coaching out of his mind in that half (let's face it, the Nets were a bit cold in the first 24 minutes of game 1). It's one thing to lose to a team with superior talent, but it's another thing to look absolutely clueless while the opposition is blowing you out for ***** and giggles.

Nash came in with two former MVPs in their prime, the best below-rim-scorer and ball handler in the league (also 50/40/90 this season) - three players in the top 20 and two in the top… 5? 8? a clear plan, system that worked and adjusted on the fly, Brad came in with a poor plan at best (tempted to say none), a system that has been crap for most of the season and made little to no adjustments, while the slight adjustments he made were so predictable and tame that they were neutered immediately.

I'm just praying that Ainge has woken up and smelt the coffee, we need to go for top coaches like Budenholzer if he gets sacked by the Bucks (it's entirely possible for him to coach well and still lose in the second round if the Nets get really hot).

FTFY.

No universe where the coach changes the outcome of this series. Either coach.

[Celtics4ever]

Nash has been coaching circles around him since the first half in game 1, and it wasn't like Brad was coaching out of his mind in that half (let's face it, the Nets were a bit cold in the first 24 minutes of game 1).

Funny, I was just thinking the opposite in regards to Nash.   He has the players but I've seen him do very little in terms of coaching.   There is a huge talent differential between these two teams.  Nash seems like the type of guy who is going to let his guys play but I have seen few adjustments.   They started game one cold and came out and shot better.   Last night was the Nets playing together and shooting well.   

This is more about talent than coaching.

[johnnygreen]

I can’t remember the last time not looking forward to watching the Celtics in the playoffs as much as this year’s team. And when they won the play-in game, my interest dropped even further knowing they would play Brooklyn, and just get steamrolled. Am I the only fan here that felt this way?

I was happy to see Fournier stand up to Durant last night. As far as I’m concerned, Brown quit on this team. And in game one, Tatum turned to the ref, instead of actually standing up for himself, when Durant elbowed him. At first, it didn’t hit me why Scal thought Tatum should go back into the game last night during a blowout, after he was pocked in the eye. A minute or so later, I was in total agreement. Tatum showed no fight and backed down twice when Durant went after him. For a player who idolized Kobe, he shows none of Kobe’s toughness.

BTW, with the way this team has performed, will Fournier have any interest in re-signing? My worry, is the perception of another really good player leaving the first opportunity that presented itself with free agency.

[nyceltsfan]

I can’t remember the last time not looking forward to watching the Celtics in the playoffs as much as this year’s team. And when they won the play-in game, my interest dropped even further knowing they would play Brooklyn, and just get steamrolled. Am I the only fan here that felt this way?

I was happy to see Fournier stand up to Durant last night. As far as I’m concerned, Brown quit on this team. And in game one, Tatum turned to the ref, instead of actually standing up for himself, when Durant elbowed him. At first, it didn’t hit me why Scal thought Tatum should go back into the game last night during a blowout, after he was pocked in the eye. A minute or so later, I was in total agreement. Tatum showed no fight and backed down twice when Durant went after him. For a player who idolized Kobe, he shows none of Kobe’s toughness.

BTW, with the way this team has performed, will Fournier have any interest in re-signing? My worry, is the perception of another really good player leaving the first opportunity that presented itself with free agency.

I have similar thoughts.  Losing Brown makes it really difficult to say that this team is currently underperforming, but the fundamental mistakes are out of control.  The Nets either get layups or wide open 3s for the majority of the game (based on my eye test).  That should not be allowed by any NBA personnel.  Joe Harris should never be left open.  I'd rather let their big 3 go iso and score 50-60% of their possessions as long as we don't foul and don't give up open shots.

If I'm Fournier, I'm watching what happened last night and asking why I am the only one that showed frustration and fight.  Durant is getting away with murder on the court with no calls going against him.  If the calls are going to be one sided, make the fouls count.

[Kuberski33]

... because Brad (nor anyone on the coaching staff for that matter) does not instill any sort of discipline or accountability in these guys.

This starts at the top. Etc is in love with complacency in terms of coaching (CBS), player development (Ainge) and players. Honestly, I can’t continue to watch this team if a major personnel change doesn’t happen. I’m that far removed and that p---ed off how we have been so futile for so [dang] long. And spare me the 3 conference finals, everyone gets a trophy BS. None of those teams had a glimmer of a chance to win.

Yeah, more and more I've come to be disillusioned just as much with Danny. As the GM, he's allowing this to happen just as much as Brad.

And his bench building is inexcusable. How many years do we have to lose games/series based upon our lack of depth and bench because he fills them up with cheap rookies and young guys instead of prioritizing vet help?

What? Our 2020 team was definitely a legitimate title contender, Brad just blew it in the ECF like he did in 2018.

I don't think Brad blew it. The Heat were playing great basketball and the C's had no solution for Bam Adebayao. He was the difference in the series and a big reason why Danny went out and signed Thompson.

Maybe if Hayward had stayed healthy they'd have gotten by the Heat but no way they were beating the Lakers.
And for all the people dumping on Hayward - I think it's pretty obvious now how many weaknesses he helped cover up.

[Kuberski33]

Also regardless of who coaches this team next season - if they bring the current roster back it finishes under .500.

[nickagneta]

I can’t remember the last time not looking forward to watching the Celtics in the playoffs as much as this year’s team. And when they won the play-in game, my interest dropped even further knowing they would play Brooklyn, and just get steamrolled. Am I the only fan here that felt this way?

I was happy to see Fournier stand up to Durant last night. As far as I’m concerned, Brown quit on this team. And in game one, Tatum turned to the ref, instead of actually standing up for himself, when Durant elbowed him. At first, it didn’t hit me why Scal thought Tatum should go back into the game last night during a blowout, after he was pocked in the eye. A minute or so later, I was in total agreement. Tatum showed no fight and backed down twice when Durant went after him. For a player who idolized Kobe, he shows none of Kobe’s toughness.

BTW, with the way this team has performed, will Fournier have any interest in re-signing? My worry, is the perception of another really good player leaving the first opportunity that presented itself with free agency.

Brown quit on the team?

That's absurd.

The kid played through tendonitis and for the last couple of weeks through wrist pain, an injury that needed surgery. He got the surgery, has been court side for the playoff and play-in games, yelling at the players on the court in a coaching like manner and can be seen talking to players on the bench about the game.

How is that quitting on the team?

[blink]

I can’t remember the last time not looking forward to watching the Celtics in the playoffs as much as this year’s team. And when they won the play-in game, my interest dropped even further knowing they would play Brooklyn, and just get steamrolled. Am I the only fan here that felt this way?

I was happy to see Fournier stand up to Durant last night. As far as I’m concerned, Brown quit on this team. And in game one, Tatum turned to the ref, instead of actually standing up for himself, when Durant elbowed him. At first, it didn’t hit me why Scal thought Tatum should go back into the game last night during a blowout, after he was pocked in the eye. A minute or so later, I was in total agreement. Tatum showed no fight and backed down twice when Durant went after him. For a player who idolized Kobe, he shows none of Kobe’s toughness.

BTW, with the way this team has performed, will Fournier have any interest in re-signing? My worry, is the perception of another really good player leaving the first opportunity that presented itself with free agency.

Maybe you should explain the bolded.  Because that doesn't make any sense at all to me.  Jaylen played through a lot of injuries this year and for a lot of the year was our best player.  Do you mean someone else?

[tstorey_97]

We live in an upside down world....

Playoffs:

Marcus Smart 12/26 (46.1%) 8 for 16 from three (50%)  --
Avg. 18 ppg

He's team MVP as of now.

I guess the "let Marcus Smart beat us strategy" is working out for Brooklyn.

If he could've gotten this done about 12 games ago we'd be playing the Knicks right now.