If there's three things I've learned about this year's Boston Celtics team, it's these:
1. Nothing is ever easy with these guys.
2. They have more heart and grit than anyone.
3. ...their offense is pretty terrible.
I understand Defense Wins Championships ... but for the love of God and His Mighty Name, why does this team go through offensive lapses like they do? Sure, the Heat are a pretty good defensive team (blocked shots from behind), but they don't exactly thrive on it. They thrive on other teams' mistakes and that's how they get those highlights on SportsCenter.
Game 6, LeBron couldn't miss. He hoisted up the craziest shots that hit nothing but net. If any Celtic shot those same type of shots, they would have all air-balled. My dad, a longtime Celtics fan, wrote off the Celtics during the playoffs and his reason is and always has been during this season: "They can't shoot." My wife says the same thing. In fact, a lot of my friends who are rooting for LeBron (because he's the star after all and I'm stationed in Florida) say the same thing: "The Celtics can't score."
I'm reminded of a game back in 2008 with the Cs vs. Suns (where KG spun around on A'mare and dunked on him). It was a loss. The Celtics played GREAT defense! However, besides KG, they couldn't hit the ocean. It seems that this year is that game stretched to an entire season. I can't help but watch the Heat, Thunder, and yes, even the evil Lakers and ask "Why can't the Celtics do that?"
I guess you can say they are a jump-shooting team. Maybe because they never get calls when they drive. And believe me, they never get calls! Never! But I can't help but squirm every time I see a shot go up from this team. Because I fear the "clank!" "clank!" "clank" etc...
I want to believe the Celtics will win this game. I believed they would close it out last game. That's until the shots started to "clank."
Next year, the team will look different regardless if they make the title run or not. I also love Doc Rivers and his commitment to team and defense. However, would it kill the Celtics to get themselves some marksmen? Some guys who can shoot? Doc famously says that the NBA is a "make-miss" league. That's true. You can keep the other team from scoring a lot of points and the Celtics are [dang] good at that. However, you are not going to win the game if you can't score some baskets.
I don't want a "Love for Celtics" post like I've been seeing. To me, it would feel like a preemptive eulogy. I'll save that for later. I love this team and I love the Celtics. I love their fire. I love their resolve. I love their passion. And I love their commitment to defense, non-selfishness, and each other. Just make some baskets.
Offense is a lot tougher on the road. A LOT. I don't doubt that the Celtics will have a much better defensive effort than the turd we saw in Game 6. However, I am still worried that their shots will not fall. Like I said before, and I think a lot of C's fans feel the same way, when a shot from our team goes up, does your face go:
??
Anyway, I hope to see a blow out win for the Celtics. I hope to see a welcome surprise. I hope to see vintage 2008 Celtics or 2010 Celtics. But the way the shots are falling ... I'm not so sure.
Oh by the way: CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!! LET'S GO CELTICS!!! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!! LET'S GO CELTICS!!! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!! LET'S GO CELTICS!!!
Topic: The Dreaded Offense (Read 1244 times)