Celtics News

[Goldstar88]

The general feel of the offense is different this year. And better. I thought PG was going to be third or fourth offensive option and he?s clearly number 2. The ball moves, Tatum is driving rather than relying on step backs, and in so doing he?s looking like an MVP candidate.  PG has been like adding a bigger and better DW to the roster.

I agree. There is so much less Iso basketball this year. Ball movement is a lot better. More enjoyable product to watch, IMO.

[LilRip]

The general feel of the offense is different this year. And better. I thought PG was going to be third or fourth offensive option and he?s clearly number 2. The ball moves, Tatum is driving rather than relying on step backs, and in so doing he?s looking like an MVP candidate.  PG has been like adding a bigger and better DW to the roster.

I think the biggest change is something that has nothing to do with PG:  Tatum is driving and getting to the lane more.  In a very small sample size, he's shooting the most FTs he ever has and is taken the least number of threes since his sophomore season.

It's the Tatum we've all wanted.  I think he's out to prove something, but I also think he could have done with JB.  It's been a flaw in JT's game for awhile now, settling for bad shots and avoiding doing the hard work on a regular basis. 

Now, we've got 76 games left to see if it's real.  So far, the five teams we've beaten a combined six wins.  It hasn't been a rough road yet.  I think that we'll have a better idea of what we're looking at 20 games in.

I agree. It is the Tatum we have always called for. He has been getting to the line at an elite level. I just wish he could finish better (seems like he is good for a blown layup or 2 every game).

I think his threes will eventually fall. Especially his spot up/catch and shoot ones.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

The general feel of the offense is different this year. And better. I thought PG was going to be third or fourth offensive option and he?s clearly number 2. The ball moves, Tatum is driving rather than relying on step backs, and in so doing he?s looking like an MVP candidate.  PG has been like adding a bigger and better DW to the roster.

I think the biggest change is something that has nothing to do with PG:  Tatum is driving and getting to the lane more.  In a very small sample size, he's shooting the most FTs he ever has and is taken the least number of threes since his sophomore season.

It's the Tatum we've all wanted.  I think he's out to prove something, but I also think he could have done with JB.  It's been a flaw in JT's game for awhile now, settling for bad shots and avoiding doing the hard work on a regular basis. 

Now, we've got 76 games left to see if it's real.  So far, the five teams we've beaten a combined six wins.  It hasn't been a rough road yet.  I think that we'll have a better idea of what we're looking at 20 games in.

I agree. It is the Tatum we have always called for. He has been getting to the line at an elite level. I just wish he could finish better (seems like he is good for a blown layup or 2 every game).

I think his threes will eventually fall. Especially his spot up/catch and shoot ones.

i am cautiously optimistic. i mean we have what? 12 years of precedent to break here.

was JB a hinderance to JT maxing out his potential always trying to hotshot and match each other hurting team overall? makes me wonder.

the 5 spot is a big concern of mine. 

[Celtics4ever]

I agree. It is the Tatum we have always called for. He has been getting to the line at an elite level. I just wish he could finish better (seems like he is good for a blown layup or 2 every game).

He plays for the foul, more than focusing on making the shot.

[Goldstar88]

Boston Celtics: We have assigned Chris Cenac Jr. to the @MaineCeltics
x.com

[ozgod]

Boston Celtics: We have assigned Chris Cenac Jr. to the @MaineCeltics
x.com

Great news. He's better off playing than sitting on the bench watching and getting a minute here and there in garbage time.

[Goldstar88]

 

Queta had just gotten tangled up with multiple Hornets players while trying to secure a rebound. And, as is often the case, Mazzulla grew frustrated with his big man?s longstanding tendency to foul. But this time, instead of reaming him out, Mazzulla chose to embrace him. I?m just trying to channel my anger into love, Mazzulla said afterward. Instead of just yelling at him, I gave him a hug.

Mazuzlla echoed that sentiment last week, after his hug. I like pushing him, I like coaching him, and I love him like a brother, Mazzulla said of Pritchard. For Mazzulla, turning anger into love has been the result of an intentional effort, especially when it comes to his relationship with Queta. A lot of meditation, a lot of journaling, a lot of just not being so mad at him all the time, Mazzulla said. But I love him.

[Vermont Green]

Queta had just gotten tangled up with multiple Hornets players while trying to secure a rebound. And, as is often the case, Mazzulla grew frustrated with his big man?s longstanding tendency to foul. But this time, instead of reaming him out, Mazzulla chose to embrace him. I?m just trying to channel my anger into love, Mazzulla said afterward. Instead of just yelling at him, I gave him a hug.

Mazuzlla echoed that sentiment last week, after his hug. I like pushing him, I like coaching him, and I love him like a brother, Mazzulla said of Pritchard. For Mazzulla, turning anger into love has been the result of an intentional effort, especially when it comes to his relationship with Queta. A lot of meditation, a lot of journaling, a lot of just not being so mad at him all the time, Mazzulla said. But I love him.

Not sure what issue Mazzulla has with Queta.  Queta has the team's best ORgt (122.2) and best NRtg (+19..  I guess his DRtg is down a bit at 3rd best (102.4).  Queta must be trying to focus more on the offensive game.  It is Mitch Rob that has been a drag on the team with the only negative net rating on the team of the regulars (-9.1), and not a little negative.  And he has been able to manage that in only 19 min per game.

His NRtg on NYK last season was very good (+7., 3rd best among regulars.  Also in about 19 min per game.  In total this season, he is -31 on the season while the team is +118 with him off the court.  Per 48 min, the team with Robinson is -9.8 per 48 while the team without him is +19.7 per 48.  He has been really bad.  I think Mitch Rob needs a hug.

[Goldstar88]

Celtics are a half game out of first and have the highest point differential in the East. I did not have that on my bingo card.

[Roy H.]

Celtics are a half game out of first and have the highest point differential in the East. I did not have that on my bingo card.

Part of that is a pretty weak schedule so far.  The teams we've beaten are 13-38, with six wins against the bottom five teams in the East.