Celtics subconsciously trying to prove a point?

[twinbree]

My boyfriend has been teasing me all season the Celtics are tanking to avoid the #1 seed. My brothers called after the game today to say they're starting to believe this because there's no way a team chasing homecourt in a tight race should have games like this over and over again.

They think the players are probably sick of hearing about all the what-ifs about their championship and secretly want to win this one on the road to silence the doubters. I agree the team is probably not as concerned with homecourt as most fans but to think they'd prefer not to have it is ludicrous. Since I didn't watch today's game, should I just give up arguing and pretend we're back in 2007 

[Thruthelookingglass]

My boyfriend has been teasing me all season the Celtics are tanking to avoid the #1 seed. My brothers called after the game today to say they're starting to believe this because there's no way a team chasing homecourt in a tight race should have games like this over and over again.

They think the players are probably sick of hearing about all the what-ifs about their championship and secretly want to win this one on the road to silence the doubters. I agree the team is probably not as concerned with homecourt as most fans but to think they'd prefer not to have it is ludicrous. Since I didn't watch today's game, should I just give up arguing and pretend we're back in 2007 

Hey Twinbree, I'm worried that the C's are fooling around much like the Lakers during the last 2 of 3 Shaq-Kobe championships.  They just aren't as focused.  They know they can win.  So the lackadaisical approach is not so much to silence doubters, but to try and get by winning another championship with a minimum of effort.  In other words, to tempt fate. 

It makes me nervous, but I think you've hit on the right approach to dealing with the ups and downs of the end of the season.

[mahonedog88]

I don't know if they're trying to prove any point...but I think they've made it clear, especially with today's game that the number 1 seed is clearly not that important to them...they just want to try and survive until KG comes back.

[cordobes]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalization_(psychology)

[yall hate]

I think the Celtics miss their best player. 

remove a dominant force on any team and the team will not play as well.  KG dominates on defense and is a force on offense.  the team misses him.

thats all.

[CoachBo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalization_(psychology)

Growing in popularity here, isn't it?

[crownsy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalization_(psychology)

Growing in popularity here, isn't it?

yep. I think the simplest explanation is the most valid one. They are tired, hurt, and they aren't as deep of the bench as last year, nor as focused, since its almost imposable to treat every night like a playoff game for 2 years straight.

We'll see what we see when we get to the playoffs. This last month is survive and get healthy mode.

[twinbree]

Hey Twinbree, I'm worried that the C's are fooling around much like the Lakers during the last 2 of 3 Shaq-Kobe championships.  They just aren't as focused.  They know they can win.  So the lackadaisical approach is not so much to silence doubters, but to try and get by winning another championship with a minimum of effort.  In other words, to tempt fate. 

It makes me nervous, but I think you've hit on the right approach to dealing with the ups and downs of the end of the season.

Yeah that's what I think is behind the lack of focus. I don't doubt they'll look very different come playoff time. Its just crazy to think any team would not want the best record. My boyfriend is a Spurs fan so I assume picking on the Celtics is just his way of channeling his bitterness about the Lakers record 

[twinbree]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rationalization_(psychology)

I don't think this even qualifies. For rationalization there has to be a logical reason at least. This tanking explanation is just too far-fetched.

[jackson_34]

The C's are injured at the moment, and the remaining players are wearing out due to the extended minutes. That's all it is. We'll be back to our championship winning ways in no time 

[RAcker]

You say subconsciously which means they aren't doing this on purpose in their conscious minds.  Yet, you argue that they are wanting to prove this point about winning on the road.  Ummmm...huh.   

I'm not seeing any logic in this argument.  If only it were true, I'd feel somewhat better about the garbage we've been putting out on the floor. 

[ACF]

Let's see:
KG is hurt, Baby is hurt, Scal is hurt
and Tony is hurt. Nope, no tanking!!!

Tell your boyfriend we're all rooting
for the Spurs to kick Laker butt.
Well, at least I am 

[LarBrd33]

team aint nuffin without their savior, Kevin Garnett.  We'll be fine once our best player comes back.

[liam]

I think the Celtics miss their best player. 

remove a dominant force on any team and the team will not play as well.  KG dominates on defense and is a force on offense.  the team misses him.

thats all.

It's a lot of injuries, even some of the players not sitting out.  If we come together at the start of the playoffs I think we could be champions again. Right now our team is gutted. Key roles here and there and a lot of little things that KG brings. With KG we have a swagger, without him we worry in close games. Our energy is down because we have to many players playing outside of there roles. If we can bring this together before the playoffs I think this team will certainly be the team to beat. Hard times make you stronger.

[Thruthelookingglass]

Let's see:
KG is hurt, Baby is hurt, Scal is hurt
and Tony is hurt. Nope, no tanking!!!

Tell your boyfriend we're all rooting
for the Spurs to kick Laker butt.
Well, at least I am 

What the world needs now . . . is someone to eliminate the Lakers early.  I'd love to square off against the Spurs in the championship!