Is anyone else tired of hearing...

[USG]

About how the Celtics lost a game because they didn't play "their A-game"? It seems like it's getting thrown around a lot. Even in wins, actually. Doc always seems to like to write off close losses and surprisingly difficult wins as the team not playing up to potential. Instead of conceding that there might be a problem with the team, he uses it to flip the situation on its head and calls it a sign that the team is great--after all, they just managed to win/stayed in it till the end despite playing sub-par ball.

It just seems that it's happening so much that perhaps it's time to revise the definition of the C's A-game and to adjust strategy appropriately...

Maybe Doc doesn't actually believe this, and it's just a way of keeping morale up. But you can only play so many B-games before that becomes your new A-game.

[TatteredOnMySleeve]

Not really... Do you honestly think we're playing our best basketball right now? its clear we're not.  we had chances to win both the LA and SA games  and didnt execute down the stretch..happens

[davemonsterband]

I'm sick of everything I hear about them nowadays. Championship teams lose big regular season games, it's a grind, get over it, world. They played their best ball in the playoffs last year, that's all that matters.

[EJPLAYA]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

[Steve Weinman]

I thought this game went pretty well: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280617002

I'd say that's about our A-minus game, right?  We sent the other team to the line 38 times and turned it over all of seven times ourselves.  Lots of room for improvement on that one.   

-sw

[TatteredOnMySleeve]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

If Orlanda all of a sudden isnt an elite team, we're 1-4... they swept LA and have been an elite team this year. we're 3-4. I love how people are leaving that fact out to make us look worse and throwing SA in to that discussion basically because they beat us, on 5 days rest no less

we  have lost 3 of those games to teams we knocked out in the playoffs, thats bound to happen, there isnt a team that wants to beat you more than the guys you knocked out the previous year... and when we are new team, noone had a grudge against us, this year however they do

[BballTim]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

  There are two things you're not considering: one, that the newness of the team has worn off and they're less excited about winning by 20 in January than they were last year. Two, they are the champions so everyone is giving them their best effort. Look at the LA games, for example. Those games meant a lot more to LA than they did to us. The first game they wanted to show themselves that they could keep up with us and they wanted some revenge. The second win was important to them to show that the first game wasn't a fluke. I'm not saying that we don't care at any more about the LA games than the Kings games, but do you think this shows that we can't beat LA? Do you think the players are now in fear of the team that they beat with relative ease last year?

[Redz]

We just came out of a 3 week stretch where I'd say we were playing our "A" game - winning twelve in a row and smacking the crap out of some pretty good teams.

A one point loss to the Lakers (and you can insert whatever excuse you want into that game - and there were some legit one - but there's no shame in losing a one point game to a championship contender)

A close loss to the Spurs (who were basically on 5 days rest)

They will not be playing a one and out in the playoffs and I still like our chances in a 7 game series against anyone.

I think this team reacts to having their backs against the wall.

[EJPLAYA]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

If Orlanda all of a sudden isnt an elite team, we're 1-4... they swept LA and have been an elite team this year. we're 3-4. I love how people are leaving that fact out to make us look worse and throwing SA in to that discussion basically because they beat us, on 5 days rest no less

we  have lost 3 of those games to teams we knocked out in the playoffs, thats bound to happen, there isnt a team that wants to beat you more than the guys you knocked out the previous year...

Anyone on here worried about Orlando?! They are easily the worst of the elite in the east, and I don't put them any better than an "also ran" they don't have enough talent yet. They are one player away from being elite just like Cleveland was last year. The difference with Cleveland though was that they had Lebron who was almost as good as two stars. Orlando doesn't have that.

I was referring to the three powerhouses, Cleveland on our side and LA and San Antonio in the West who are by far the best 2 over there. 1-4 is not going to get it done. Do you think any of them are really afraid of playing us this year like they were last year?!

[EJPLAYA]

We just came out of a 3 week stretch where I'd say we were playing our "A" game - winning twelve in a row and smacking the crap out of some pretty good teams.

A one point loss to the Lakers (and you can insert whatever excuse you want into that game - and there were some legit one - but there's no shame in losing a one point game to a championship contender)

A close loss to the Spurs (who were basically on 5 days rest)

They will not be playing a one and out in the playoffs and I still like our chances in a 7 game series against anyone.

I think this team reacts to having their backs against the wall.

Sorry Redz, but Orlando was the only team in that 12 game stretch that is even sniffing the level of a contender.

[TatteredOnMySleeve]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

If Orlanda all of a sudden isnt an elite team, we're 1-4... they swept LA and have been an elite team this year. we're 3-4. I love how people are leaving that fact out to make us look worse and throwing SA in to that discussion basically because they beat us, on 5 days rest no less

we  have lost 3 of those games to teams we knocked out in the playoffs, thats bound to happen, there isnt a team that wants to beat you more than the guys you knocked out the previous year...

Anyone on here worried about Orlando?! They are easily the worst of the elite in the east, and I don't put them any better than an "also ran" they don't have enough talent yet. They are one player away from being elite just like Cleveland was last year. The difference with Cleveland though was that they had Lebron who was almost as good as two stars. Orlando doesn't have that.

I was referring to the three powerhouses, Cleveland on our side and LA and San Antonio in the West who are by far the best 2 over there. 1-4 is not going to get it done. Do you think any of them are really afraid of playing us this year like they were last year?!

Am I scared of the spurs or even LA? the bottom line is you cant just take Orlando out of the elite conversation for the sake of your argument, they swept both the spurs and LA and pounded the cavs , 3 teams youre putting in that elite status and have a great record, better than the spurs

[Redz]

We just came out of a 3 week stretch where I'd say we were playing our "A" game - winning twelve in a row and smacking the crap out of some pretty good teams.

A one point loss to the Lakers (and you can insert whatever excuse you want into that game - and there were some legit one - but there's no shame in losing a one point game to a championship contender)

A close loss to the Spurs (who were basically on 5 days rest)

They will not be playing a one and out in the playoffs and I still like our chances in a 7 game series against anyone.

I think this team reacts to having their backs against the wall.

Sorry Redz, but Orlando was the only team in that 12 game stretch that is even sniffing the level of a contender.

Right, but our schedule isn't made up of Cleveland, LA & San Antonio...They beat up the Mavs, Phoenix, and Orlando to a degree that goes beyond what might be expected. 

[EJPLAYA]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

If Orlanda all of a sudden isnt an elite team, we're 1-4... they swept LA and have been an elite team this year. we're 3-4. I love how people are leaving that fact out to make us look worse and throwing SA in to that discussion basically because they beat us, on 5 days rest no less

we  have lost 3 of those games to teams we knocked out in the playoffs, thats bound to happen, there isnt a team that wants to beat you more than the guys you knocked out the previous year...

Anyone on here worried about Orlando?! They are easily the worst of the elite in the east, and I don't put them any better than an "also ran" they don't have enough talent yet. They are one player away from being elite just like Cleveland was last year. The difference with Cleveland though was that they had Lebron who was almost as good as two stars. Orlando doesn't have that.

I was referring to the three powerhouses, Cleveland on our side and LA and San Antonio in the West who are by far the best 2 over there. 1-4 is not going to get it done. Do you think any of them are really afraid of playing us this year like they were last year?!

Am I scared of the spurs or even LA? the bottom line is you cant just take Orlando out of the elite conversation for the sake of your argument, they swept both the spurs and LA , 2 teams youre putting in that elite status and have a great record, better than the spurs

Sure I can! I just did!

Boston has the big three
San Antonio has Duncan, Ginobli, Parker and some very talented next tier players
Cleveland has Lebron, Mo Williams, amd an even better mix of tier two players
Lakers have Kobe, Gasol, and probably the best combo of next tier players (Odom,Fisher, Bynum, Ariza, etc)

Orlando has Howard, Hedo, Lewis, and a couple next tier. Howard is only consistent on defense and can't score when it counts. Hedo is a good scorer but can't defend a chair. Lewis can only shoot threes and also can't defend. They have so many flaws and until they get another player which I think they will next year or the following, they are at best an also ran. Sure they can get hot. They can't win a series though. Tell me you'd rather play any of the other three over Orlando... If you do you are once again just trying to argue.

[EJPLAYA]

We just came out of a 3 week stretch where I'd say we were playing our "A" game - winning twelve in a row and smacking the crap out of some pretty good teams.

A one point loss to the Lakers (and you can insert whatever excuse you want into that game - and there were some legit one - but there's no shame in losing a one point game to a championship contender)

A close loss to the Spurs (who were basically on 5 days rest)

They will not be playing a one and out in the playoffs and I still like our chances in a 7 game series against anyone.

I think this team reacts to having their backs against the wall.

Sorry Redz, but Orlando was the only team in that 12 game stretch that is even sniffing the level of a contender.

Right, but our schedule isn't made up of Cleveland, LA & San Antonio...They beat up the Mavs, Phoenix, and Orlando to a degree that goes beyond what might be expected. 

I'm not really concerned about what our schedule looks like at the end of the year. Sure we are going to have a great record when it is all said and done in the regular season. The fact is we likely won't be bailed out this year with home court throughout. If we can't beat these guys in the regular season, and they have home court, our chances at #18 don't look real good. Last year we were beating them. This year we are coming up short. They go better, we got worse. Without a change in our lineup we aren't likely to even get to the finals. As much as I'd like to think so, we don't beat Cleveland in a 7 game series without home court. Not so sure we can beat them WITH home court.

[TatteredOnMySleeve]

They also played their best ball against the best teams last year (6-2) and are 1-4 against them this year. We were also dominant in our own building. They didn't just magically "turn it on" last year in the playoffs. They had one little slump against some pretty good teams. Home court throughout was what got them that banner. Losing games to the elite isn't going to get you home court throughout this year. Especially when we aren't dominant at home anymore. There is reason to worry. Hiding our heads in the sand and PRETENDING we are as good as last year will just lead us to disappointment.

If Orlanda all of a sudden isnt an elite team, we're 1-4... they swept LA and have been an elite team this year. we're 3-4. I love how people are leaving that fact out to make us look worse and throwing SA in to that discussion basically because they beat us, on 5 days rest no less

we  have lost 3 of those games to teams we knocked out in the playoffs, thats bound to happen, there isnt a team that wants to beat you more than the guys you knocked out the previous year...

Anyone on here worried about Orlando?! They are easily the worst of the elite in the east, and I don't put them any better than an "also ran" they don't have enough talent yet. They are one player away from being elite just like Cleveland was last year. The difference with Cleveland though was that they had Lebron who was almost as good as two stars. Orlando doesn't have that.

I was referring to the three powerhouses, Cleveland on our side and LA and San Antonio in the West who are by far the best 2 over there. 1-4 is not going to get it done. Do you think any of them are really afraid of playing us this year like they were last year?!

Am I scared of the spurs or even LA? the bottom line is you cant just take Orlando out of the elite conversation for the sake of your argument, they swept both the spurs and LA , 2 teams youre putting in that elite status and have a great record, better than the spurs

Sure I can! I just did!

Boston has the big three
San Antonio has Duncan, Ginobli, Parker and some very talented next tier players
Cleveland has Lebron, Mo Williams, amd an even better mix of tier two players
Lakers have Kobe, Gasol, and probably the best combo of next tier players (Odom,Fisher, Bynum, Ariza, etc)

Orlando has Howard, Hedo, Lewis, and a couple next tier. Howard is only consistent on defense and can't score when it counts. Hedo is a good scorer but can't defend a chair. Lewis can only shoot threes and also can't defend. They have so many flaws and until they get another player which I think they will next year or the following, they are at best an also ran. Sure they can get hot. They can't win a series though. Tell me you'd rather play any of the other three over Orlando... If you do you are once again just trying to argue.

Orlando is 5-0 against the Spurs, Lakers and Cavs
We're 1-4
They must be better than us, huh?