Why can't this team score in the 4th quarter?

[Green Hell]

We all want this team to win, just some of us are able to look at the situation objectively and others aren't. It's called growing up.

[homericepisode]

We all want this team to win, just some of us are able to look at the situation objectively and others aren't. It's called growing up.

Sounds like you just look at it negatively, IMHO. Neither of you are wrong, it's just how you look at it...

[Green Hell]

So it pessimistic to think this team looks tired now? Because our being "old" certainly isn't up for debate.

[homericepisode]

So it pessimistic to think this team looks tired now? Because our being "old" certainly isn't up for debate.

They were certainly tired in the 4th quarter tonight, after a high energy game beating the team with the best record in the league last night, flying a couple thousand miles and trying to do it again yes. And yes, we do boast one of the oldest starting lineups in the league. But as a whole body of work? They certainly have done quite a bit for an old tired team, including putting 4 players on the all-star team and being the top defensive team in the league.

The great thing is, there's a whole second season left to play, in a different format with another player to add to our depth in the front court. We also have the luxury of not playing back to back games in the playoffs and not having to fly across the country after every game.

Remember too, that being older means we have more experience, which is very important in the playoffs, and fortunately, there will be some rest for our tired legs in the next few weeks--maybe not as much as we'd like, but some none the less.

Other than that I am very proud of your objectivity, it must be very gratifying to obtain that level of analytical nirvana. Perhaps a majority of us need to learn how to grow up so we can really see how awful this world can be.

[zerophase]

Why can't we score? Big Baby takes all of our shots.

[vinnie]

Not just the fourth quarter. They have not been scoring in most quarters.

[celtics2]

No legs after 1st half. Rigor sets in.

[looseball]

No legs after 1st half. Rigor sets in.

Mortis to follow?

[celtics2]

I don't buy tired legs.

There is some sort of wrong strategy...we don't go with what keeps working.

We try really hard to find Ray on set plays and it uses up a lot of the clock....resulting in either Baby or Rondo taking perimeter shots.

We closed out the Spurs in the 4th quarter and played big down the stretch so I know we have it in us to finish games.

Tonight it was some missed shots, missed opportunities near the rim.

KG and Ray need to be more aggressive on the offensive side...if they aren't aggressive Rondo and Baby are just going to take it into their own hands to make something out of nothing.

Our bench is thing....the Hawks had 2 bench players who basically individually matched or outmatched our entire bench.

If you can't get the tired legs syndrome then it's not possible to figure why we falter in the 4th quarters. Or for the entire 2nd half for that matter. Our starters are running on fumes and on back to backs running on Team Spirit. We are victims of the injury plague not to mention age. The way to beat the Celts now is to pressure them constantly. Make em work and the 4th quarter will pay bonuses. Atlanta did just that. They actually shot poorly but killed us on the boards. With Krystic down were in trouble. Maybe with the playoff schedule more to the liking of the Celts we'll do ok for awhile.  I have no faith Shaq will keep it together for 20 plus games. Rome is burning just can't see the flames yet.

[kozlodoev]

Not just the fourth quarter. They have not been scoring in most quarters.

It's all Perk's fault, where are his 20 ppg when you need them.

[elcotte]

No rebounds. Too many one and done jump shots with no green jerseys under the basket.
Only positive I saw last night was Delonte West. I think he played intelligent scrappy basketball. Thanks DWest! You were a pleasure to watch.

[Moranis]

The Celtics have had the same offensive problems for years.  They are:


1.  A PG that can be left alone on the perimeter because he won't shoot the ball and in the rare occassions he does he doesn't hit it often enough.  Thus the offense is often 4 on 5.

2.  No one that can consistently score in the paint (Shaq helps with this when he plays).

3.  No backup PG to run the second unit and thus Rondo wears down by playing too many minutes.

4.  Too much reliance on the Pierce ISO.

5.  Too much reliance on the Allen outside shot.

They all tie together.  The team just doesn't have an offensive flow because it is too predictable and it is that predictable because it isn't a complete offensive unit.  And the reality is, the problems have existed for three years so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

[housecall]

If the C's had a stronger and more consistent bench that you can trust to play thru a big portion of the 4th and hold a lead or increase it that would allow the starters to get enough rest to close better.Ck out most top teams around the league.Most of their starters are resting at the beginning of most 4th quarters.Kobe for example,rarely starts 4th quarters these days,especially if the score is close or if they have a lead.

[celtics2]

The Celtics have had the same offensive problems for years.  They are:


1.  A PG that can be left alone on the perimeter because he won't shoot the ball and in the rare occassions he does he doesn't hit it often enough.  Thus the offense is often 4 on 5.

2.  No one that can consistently score in the paint (Shaq helps with this when he plays).

That's about it in a nutshell. Rare to see a post up and if nothing happens send it back out. Rondo and Pierce are the only one's willing to give up the flesh inside. Atlanta beat us shooting under 40%. We shot over 50% but Atlanta took 10 more foul shots. Mostly from inside fouls. I'm sure things will change when Shaq shows up. Just how long will he hold up? Might be a good idea to use him solely in the 2nd half of playoff games if Krystic comes back. These are the best options Ainge had. This is the  beginning of the end.

3.  No backup PG to run the second unit and thus Rondo wears down by playing too many minutes.

4.  Too much reliance on the Pierce ISO.

5.  Too much reliance on the Allen outside shot.

They all tie together.  The team just doesn't have an offensive flow because it is too predictable and it is that predictable because it isn't a complete offensive unit.  And the reality is, the problems have existed for three years so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

[Donoghus]

Offensive stagnation (and probably some complacency).

With 4th quarter leads, the Celtics seem to settle into a routine of settling for low percentage jumpers and offensive stagnation;  guys standing around and ball movement diminishes.  When that happens, unless they're shooting hot, they're failing to score points and allowing teams to crawl back into it.  It tends to create a snowball affect.

For the tiredness part, I do think it plays a factor in the back to backs but I don't think it should come playoff time when there is more ample opportunity for rest with offdays.