The Celtics were on full steam before the New Year.
Then KG's injury (which a lot of people thought could be season ending) brought the Celtics back to Earth and made them realize something:
The Celtics have ZERO chance for a championship without KG. The same goes for PP, Ray Allen, and Rondo.
Ever since then, I feel the Celtics have been putting a lot less energy into easier games. If they can win, then well and good, but otherwise they don't seem to overexert themselves.
Arrogant? Yes Frustrating? Yes Risky to lose HCA? Yes
But ultimately HEALTH trumps all for the Celtics. I think a .500 record the rest of the way seems realistic, and all things considered it could be a lot worse.
Let's save the Panic button for the playoffs, enough overreacting to losing to the Pacers.
We all know the Pacers (and just about every other team in the NBA, save for the top 6) have no chance against a healthy and motivated Celtics team.