Casual Celtics Always LOSE...came out chucking 3 pointers from the tip off
Cs have shown little evidence that they can flip and sustain the intensity switch when they are in one of these games. The pattern has been that the get into a trailing, catch up, then lapse (chucking threes and ISOs and sloppy/cocky) mentality. They play with purpose in spurts only enough to get close, or even tie or go up by a couple, and then the opponent regains their cushion - causing the Cs wake up for a few minutes, etc…. This is survivable v. the Hawks. Possibly v. the Sixers. Definitely not v. the Bucks.
Unfortunate because the roster is excellent. Hoped that the playoffs would ratchet things up. Maybe this just one game. We’ll see.
JBs hand is a factor. If letting the hand heal for a week would help - now’s the time. Also, Horford as a veteran leader is great - but ultimately the Jays need to model intensity/leadership on the court. They both lapse.
I’d like to see Joe notice the direction/flow of a game like this and at least make attempts to stop it. Maybe inserting Grant was his attempt, but clearly that wasn’t enough - though Grant played well and with good energy.