Celtics (2-0) vs Heat (0-2) SL Game #3 7/14/25

[radiohead]

Hugo?s having a rough game and you can really see the frustration.

[Who]

Interesting. Bassey started today. Good matchup with K Ware too. Good test for Bassey.

Any reason why Amari isn't playing?

[radiohead]

That?s a crazy call on Hugo. And what?s with this new rule? If that?s not counted as an attempt then why give him three freethrows?

[slamtheking]

another underwhelming game from this cast of characters.  Bassey still looking like the best of the bunch.  Baylor having a few good moments with passing but still bricking away.  no clue what Walsh was thinking but that can't help his case for staying with the team.

[Who]

K Ware has little feel for the game. Offensively or defensively. Things just happen around him. He is not dictating anything. Heck, most of the time he is not even responding (quickly enough) to things happening around him.

It is a disappointing. He has made little progress in 1yr. He does not look ready to do what Miami will need him to do next season. I don't need him to be a scorer. A rim runner is fine. But you gotta be more of a defensive presence & defensive leader. If Miami are going to play big with Ware & Bam, they gotta dominate the paint defensively + the backboards. It is not going to be a pretty offensive group. Their hopes will rest on their defensive toughness & rebounding with these two needing to lead the charge. No signs that Ware is able to deliver that for Miami.

[Goldstar88]

Walsh had 13pts/3rebs/1stl in 10 mins of play. 5-8 from the field, 1-2 from 3pt. He looks a lot better than everyone else out there for the C?s during this SL.

[Who]

Walsh had 13pts/3rebs/1stl in 10 mins of play. 5-8 from the field, 1-2 from 3pt. He looks a lot better than everyone else out there for the C?s during this SL.

They were layups and dunks. He only took 2 jump-shots - the two threes that he split. He wasn't making many plays with the ball (self-creation or playmaking). Just transition hoops / opportunistic plays.

[Goldstar88]

Walsh had 13pts/3rebs/1stl in 10 mins of play. 5-8 from the field, 1-2 from 3pt. He looks a lot better than everyone else out there for the C?s during this SL.

They were layups and dunks. He only took 2 jump-shots - the two threes that he split. He wasn't making many plays with the ball (self-creation or playmaking). Just transition hoops / opportunistic plays.

Still looked better than anyone else in the game for Boston.

[Who]

Max Shulga does not look like NBA material. He doesn't stand out at all in these SL games. Just blends in to all the other mediocre SL guys who aren't good enough for the league.

It will be interesting to see how he does after a year in Maine. His shooting numbers were impressive in college. See if he can get that comfort against NBA athletes in the G-League.

[Who]

Walsh had 13pts/3rebs/1stl in 10 mins of play. 5-8 from the field, 1-2 from 3pt. He looks a lot better than everyone else out there for the C?s during this SL.

They were layups and dunks. He only took 2 jump-shots - the two threes that he split. He wasn't making many plays with the ball (self-creation or playmaking). Just transition hoops / opportunistic plays.

Still looked better than anyone else in the game for Boston.

Yes. I am looking more for signs that he is ready to step up and be a rotation player for Boston next season. He has not convinced thus far.

The big question was can he make enough outside shots to stay on the floor. He didn't do much in small minutes tonight before getting himself ejected. He didn't do it in Gm 2. He did do it in Gm 1. Not doing himself any favors to prove he is ready.

[Who]

I am starting to wonder if there is a role for Lofton on this Celtics team.

1 Niang = chunky perimeter PF
2 Minott = athletic slasher
3 Or go small with Jaylen & Hauser. Hauser a shooting SF.

Lofton more of a chunky ball-handler and creator. Even as a 3rd string, I wonder if he would offer something different enough that he could prove useful now and again.

We have Jaylen and A Simons as our two main scorers. Then Pritchard and D White as 3rd / 4th options. There isn't much offensive creation on the team outside of them. Having a 3rd stringer who can create (as Lofton can) could be useful on nights were the offense isn't working well.

[Who]

K Ware plays small.

Finesse big man ... without the skill-level to justify it.

[Who]

I like Hugo's nose for the ball. Good rebounder. Often in or around the ball even when he doesn't come up with it.

[Goldstar88]

Lofton Jr is growing on me. Just need to get him on a diet.

[radiohead]

I like Hugo's nose for the ball. Good rebounder. Often in or around the ball even when he doesn't come up with it.

I think at the very least he?ll develop into a solid contributor for us ala PP and Hauser. Might take some time though.