Celtics (2-1) at 76ers (1-2) Round 2 Game #4 5/7/23

[radiohead]

How do you not try and get a quick shot off rather than waiting to run it down?

This coach is a freaking moron. You shouldn't need exp to know what to do here.

Gotta give yourself a chance for an offensive rebound if you miss.

Shooting with no time left is fine when it is a tie game. When your down, you leave a little time in case you miss so you can get a 2nd shot off an offensive rebound.

I agree, but this is mostly on Marcus instead of Joe? He dribbled way too long before handing it off to JT. If the action started a bit earlier then we probably win the game with that Smart 3. This was a hard fought playoff game. Too bad we lost.

[libermaniac]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

9-20 today shooting and zero first half points. That’s not good enough.

45% shooting for a career 45.8% shooter is just inexcusable. What a bum. 🤦‍♂️🙄

Never called him a bum. But they need more consistency out of him. Was a no show in game 2. Was a no show in the first half today.

True. He is a very inconsistent player but he’s showing maturity in that when his shot is off he tries to make other things happen. In years past he’d just try to shoot his way out of it.

Given his horrible 0-8 shooting start, I think he should be commended for a masterful game. He didn’t just pack his bags and go home like Harden in games 2 and 3.

And he was only a “no show” in game 2 because he got into foul trouble on offensive fouls and then they didn’t need him in the blowout.

[SparzWizard]

After going out with my family for a walk in this beautiful weather and grabbing bubble tea beverages, I've cooled down a bit and come to this conclusion. It's not worth my time trying to stress about this team.

It sounds dumb to say as I love and root for this team daily, but when this team has so many of these letdowns/unserious stretches, and the coach is also making dumb decisions every other games but constantly defending them in postgame and sounding nonchalant, then why should I feel stressed? This team clearly doesn't seem angry or annoyed about things. Tatum is basically taking an entire half off (2 points, 1-9 shooting today first half). Like why let this team effect my real life.

In terms of this series, I'm still not worried. They'll win it. And we did steal back HCA this weekend which was the goal. My main concern though is the upcoming rounds. We definitely won't beat Miami or any of these West teams if we're sleepwalking through and losing multiple games that way. We can get by Atlanta and probably Philly, but that's about it.

Kung Fu Tea? One of my favorite spots. 

But yeah, I been skipping the first half because of their laziness. I tune in mid 3rd quarter through the end of the game. Maybe I'll start tuning in in the 4th quarter until they fix their mental problems. I used to always mope over playoff losses but with these guys looking like they don't care why should I care so much lol.

I miss Ime Udoka. Can we also get rid of Smart please. And Joe.

[Who]

I thought the no timeout at end of Q4 was fine. They had a stoppage in play just before for the coach the tell the team wants them to do. I am sure he gave them direction then. No need for another timeout when they already know what he wants them to do.

I was surprised by the no timeout at end of OT. Not sure it changes much though.

[scaryjerry]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

9-20 today shooting and zero first half points. That’s not good enough.

45% shooting for a career 45.8% shooter is just inexcusable. What a bum. 🤦‍♂️🙄

Never called him a bum. But they need more consistency out of him. Was a no show in game 2. Was a no show in the first half today.

True. He is a very inconsistent player but he’s showing maturity in that when his shot is off he tries to make other things happen. In years past he’d just try to shoot his way out of it.

Given his horrible 0-8 shooting start, I think he should be commended for a masterful game. He didn’t just pack his bags and go home like Harden in games 2 and 3.

And he was only a “no show” in game 2 because he got into foul trouble on offensive fouls and then they didn’t need him in the blowout.

He has more commercials than any player in the league and gets the most credit out of anyone for the Celtics success, top mvp candidate. He needs to be better in this game. A lot better.

[terra haute]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

9-20 today shooting and zero first half points. That’s not good enough.
[/quote   Wow Ted Williams only hitting 406 must have been a huge disappointment to you as well

[Mahk E Mahk]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Agreed. I think we all expect him to eventually take some sort of next level jump. Might not happen, is he even as good as Carmelo or Tmac were? Meh

JT’s next level jump will be dictated by his drive, hatred of losing, and obsessive will to win. what we’ve seen to-date is an incredibly talented two-way player who doesn’t seem to possess the indomitable will to win. he disappears too often, seems ok with losses, and doesn’t rise to meet the truly big moments. he may identify with kobe but he lacks kobe’s drive and will to win.

remember when joe said his team was p---ed off after the game one loss. i guess the team therapist does too good of a job and all was well with the world after game three.

[Who]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

Tatum led that rally in the Q4 to get Boston back in the lead too. He played great after a slow start. He was key to everything. Make plays on both ends of the court. His passing was vital. His scoring. Rebounds. Forcing turnovers. Running the court.

[Phantom255x]

After going out with my family for a walk in this beautiful weather and grabbing bubble tea beverages, I've cooled down a bit and come to this conclusion. It's not worth my time trying to stress about this team.

It sounds dumb to say as I love and root for this team daily, but when this team has so many of these letdowns/unserious stretches, and the coach is also making dumb decisions every other games but constantly defending them in postgame and sounding nonchalant, then why should I feel stressed? This team clearly doesn't seem angry or annoyed about things. Tatum is basically taking an entire half off (2 points, 1-9 shooting today first half). Like why let this team effect my real life.

In terms of this series, I'm still not worried. They'll win it. And we did steal back HCA this weekend which was the goal. My main concern though is the upcoming rounds. We definitely won't beat Miami or any of these West teams if we're sleepwalking through and losing multiple games that way. We can get by Atlanta and probably Philly, but that's about it.

Kung Fu Tea? One of my favorite spots. 

But yeah, I been skipping the first half because of their laziness. I tune in mid 3rd quarter through the end of the game. Maybe I'll start tuning in in the 4th quarter until they fix their mental problems. I used to always mope over playoff losses but with these guys looking like they don't care why should I care so much lol.

I miss Ime Udoka. Can we also get rid of Smart please. And Joe.

Lol no, Vivi Tea. Got a mango slush, passion fruit tea and scallion pancake which we all shared along the walk. Sister had a gift card so we decided to use it today.

Anyways yeah that bolded part of your statement is pretty much where I'm at. Sure, if it's Game 7 or leading up to an elimination game, I'll feel stressed by nature. Otherwise, I'm not really going to let things affect me.

These guys say the exact same thing every interview, "we have to not get bored", "we have to smell blood", "we can't let up even though we have the momentum" yet they never prove it. I miss Ime too but lets be real, even with him we had many letdowns last year in the postseason too (Game 5 against MIL, Games 3 + 6 against MIA, then of course the Finals ugh). It's just a problem with this team that's spanned many years. No true killer instinct. Never making it easy on themselves. I mean the sweep against BKN last postseason feels like an outlier compared to everything else, though all those games were close and it was clear BKN was a mess with Kyrie and Simmons drama

[Who]

Best of 3 now.


Best of 7 and the better team almost always wins. Not the same with a best of 3 especially in the 3 point era where one (or two) hot shooting nights could decide the series. A lot more risk in a best of 3. Celtics still the favourite but no longer the overwhelming favourite they were at the start of the series.

This team always makes life tough of themselves. Needlessly so. It is habit.

[Mahk E Mahk]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

Had we won, this would be called a monster game for JT. He led the comeback and made the right plays. Imagine if Al made that three to put us up 4? Or if Smart actually made that three at the end of regulation? But that’s how basketball is. I’m disappointed with the loss yes, but I still think we get this series.

but ultimately, they lost. if JT wants to be great, a winner, a champion, monster games don’t get him there; winning does. specifically, winning in the big moments.

[libermaniac]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

Had we won, this would be called a monster game for JT. He led the comeback and made the right plays. Imagine if Al made that three to put us up 4? Or if Smart actually made that three at the end of regulation? But that’s how basketball is. I’m disappointed with the loss yes, but I still think we get this series.

but ultimately, they lost. if JT wants to be great, a winner, a champion, monster games don’t get him there; winning does. specifically, winning in the big moments.

And game 4 when you are up 2-1 qualifies as the "big moments".  This series is not over.  We can wait to write the narrative.  Of course, if would be great if he made 1/2 of his first 8 shots, but he didn't and he rebounded to play a masterful second half.  I'm ok with that performance.

[Mahk E Mahk]

Not gonna win this series, never mind an nba championship if this is the peak level Tatum is going to get to. He ended up with 25, but the complete no show in the first half, the lack of urgency and impact in the defining moments is pretty brutal.
Glad he made everything in the all star game though.

Unfortunately in too many games Tatum is inconsistent. Disappears for long stretches and then tries to make up for it late. If he has 5 points in the first half Celtics probably win.

Two of the four games Tatum’s been a no show for a half or for the game

Ya. He’s terrible. 18 boards. 4 blocks. Makes the go ahead 3 with 35 seconds. Find Marcus for the wide open look to end regulation. He’s downright awful. 🙄

Had we won, this would be called a monster game for JT. He led the comeback and made the right plays. Imagine if Al made that three to put us up 4? Or if Smart actually made that three at the end of regulation? But that’s how basketball is. I’m disappointed with the loss yes, but I still think we get this series.

but ultimately, they lost. if JT wants to be great, a winner, a champion, monster games don’t get him there; winning does. specifically, winning in the big moments.

And game 4 when you are up 2-1 qualifies as the "big moments".  This series is not over.  We can wait to write the narrative.  Of course, if would be great if he made 1/2 of his first 8 shots, but he didn't and he rebounded to play a masterful second half.  I'm ok with that performance.

a masterful second half is not what makes champions. tatum needs to play the full game and stop disappearing. if he showed up in the first half, this is a double digit win and the starters get some rest. remember this team running out of gas in the finals? yeah, if tatum didn’t disappear for long stretches in last year’s playoffs, they don’t play as many games or minutes on their way to the finals.

so yeah, these are big moments, particularly when you have the chance to go up 3-1 in the series that sends the winner to the ECF.

stop making excuses for tatum. based on his contract, his status as team leader, leading scorer, all star, wannabe kobe…he’s not judged on stats but on winning.

[Dchuck]

Tough situation for Jaylen there on that double team. Tatum was overmatched by Embiid in the post, Embiid had worked his way into the paint and could shoot over Tatum easily enough. There was nobody else on that side of the floor except for Jaylen. Nobody who get that double team over in time.

That is a tough call ... whether to stay with Harden or go down and double.

I'm not sure that is an open and shut case of a mistake by Jaylen to go down and double team. If that was Horford or Rob Williams in the post against Embiid, yeah I'd say stay home ... but Tatum? Hmm ...

Even though JT was over matched, we gotta play it straight up.  If Embiid scores its tied, we go into a second OT.  Cant give up a 3 there.  Especially leaving Harden the open man who was already having a great game.

[celticinorlando]

Boston scores plenty of points to win games. They are losing because of defense and the little things.

Getting a stop and allowing pj tucker to get the rebound and an 1. Miscommunication and gamble that has you double off harden leaving him wide open from 3.

Not realizing when you are down one you go as quick as you can to allow you a second opportunity. Not running the clock down.

They struggle making winning plays in crunch time in games like this

Game 5 needs to be a statement game.