Do you still believe

[tonydelk]

No, I do not believe. This team has no defensive identity.

This team just doesn't have the killer instinct to consistently put teams away.  They have to be the worst 4th quarter team I've seen.  They slow it down, stop attacking and give up way to many games they should win.  A good team would not slow it down.  They would punish the other team into submission.  A good team would have closed this out already.

the only smidge of killer instinct we saw was in the last 3 minutes in gm 6 against ATL. Other than that, they've been rather passive.

It's been the same with this team for at least a few years—Boston lacks killer instinct, doesn't step on opponents's throats, and goes into clock-killing mode instead of continue to do what was working.

Such was what Larry Bird used to do on a regular basis. But even Pierce had a knack for it when he had some decent talent around him. I don't see that with our current stars.  It's also nuts how many times the ball finds itself in Smart's hands when a big basket is needed and the shot clock is winding down.  Bird wouldn't have stood for that.

This is not a talent thing.  This team for years going back to Brad has always took their foot off the gas in the 4th.  They get bad shots, turn it over and go cold.  They don't attack.  JT is no a knock down shooter.  he's a good scorer but not a lights out shooter.  Smart is a very frustrating player and as long as he's the starting PG I can't see this team winning a chip.  I love smart and he will always be one of my favorite c's he just takes way to many bad shots and is not the guy you want taking a big time shot in the 4th.  Yes he's made some but he's missed more then he's made. 

JT needs the LBJ killer instinct in the 4th.  The you will not beat me and you are not better then me attitude.  You can knock LBJ all you want but he has the attitude you want out of a star. 

[libermaniac]

I don't think that there is a lack of maturity. This core just ain't good enough. It's not fair to say the're bad, but they are not good enough for C'ship title.
Even if they win next 2 games,...

You have to be both lucky and good. This series came down to 6 possessions. Harden had 3 attempts at game tying or go ahead shots in final seconds. He made all 3. Smart had 2 attempts. Missed one got one off late. And Smart turned it over once.

All 6 of those key possessions went Phillys way. You can argue that it’s “because we are not good enough” but the truth is there is randomness in whether shots go in or not. If only 2 of those 6 went the Cs way it would’ve been a 4 game sweep.

Similarly in the Lakers Vs GS series the Warriors came up short on two such possessions that easily would’ve swung the series the other way.

Now. Should Boston have been in that position? No. But Philly is in the same class as Denver or whoever might come out of the West. The Cs are good enough to win. Just might not be lucky enough this year.

[aefgogreen]

I do believe - none of the remaining teams scare me.  The team I'm most concerned about is ours.  If we can figure out a way to put it together, our chance is as good as anyone else's.

[gouki88]

I don't think that there is a lack of maturity. This core just ain't good enough. It's not fair to say the're bad, but they are not good enough for C'ship title.
Even if they win next 2 games,...

It's hard to say that a team with two All-NBA players, the 6MOY, an All-Defense guy, the DPOY (one year removed), etc. aren't good enough.

Horford isn't a good enough to be the only big in the starting lineup, but that's the coach's choice.

Absolutely, the core is the best in the NBA. That the coach cannot do anything with it is an indictment on him

[KG Living Legend]

 Let's just win tonight.  I believe we can do that.

[Neurotic Guy]

While there’s a pit in my stomach and I’m anticipating a bad night, I still hope.  Don’t want the season to end with Cs out in round 2 and the Lakers on the brink of going to the WCF. 

Please Cs - fight back tonight and regain momentum.

[Neurotic Guy]

I don't think that there is a lack of maturity. This core just ain't good enough. It's not fair to say the're bad, but they are not good enough for C'ship title.
Even if they win next 2 games,...

Not in agreement. 

[tenn_smoothie]

While I cannot bring myself to pull for the Celtics to lose, looking at this objectively, it might be the best outcome for the long-term welfare of the franchise. Why ? Because it might be the only thing that will force the changes that need to be made to win a title. As is, the Celts are very talented but have some glaring deficiencies that have been left to fester and prevent this team from playing up to its potential:

1) The team personality is soft and lacks hard-core competitors.
2) The team needs more size and talent in the post.
3) Ownership has to ante up if they genuinely want to win titles.
4) Hire NBA qualified GM and Head Coach.

I fear if serious changes are not made, we will continue to be very good but never good enough to break through and win titles.

[Celtics4ever]

Rooting like hell for us to win!

[cman88]

That was strong mental toughness from Tatum to be as horrid as he was all game and then put in 16 points in the 4th to avoid elimination on the road.

Game 7 at home. Celtics have been here before. (4-1 in game 7's with Tatum's only loss against lebron his rookie year) sixers haven't. Momentum shifting as all the pressure is on the sixers who have never been here before on the road with guys like doc rivers/harden who have choking reputations.

[SparzWizard]

That was strong mental toughness from Tatum to be as horrid as he was all game and then put in 16 points in the 4th to avoid elimination on the road.

Game 7 at home. Celtics have been here before. (4-1 in game 7's with Tatum's only loss against lebron his rookie year) sixers haven't. Momentum shifting as all the pressure is on the sixers who have never been here before on the road with guys like doc rivers/harden who have choking reputations.

That was 2022 Bucks Game 6-esque from Tatum. I remembered him nailing those 3-balls in the 4th and silencing Fiserv Forum to force Game 7.

[Phantom255x]

[CelticSooner]

C’s need to roll in Game 7. You can’t let any doubt continue to creep in and let the underdog Sixers hang around. Jump on them from the tip and show some dominance for once!

[Roy H.]

I believe *if* Joe starts Timelord and keeps him in the game.

[Ed Monix]