Stevens deserves some of the blame for how we've started in the first two games

[Celtics4ever]

The refs beat us in the first game, and Bradley's injury beat us in the second.
The only mistake I see that Stevens made was not starting Rozier over Smart.
Starting Smart effects the entire rotation. Starting Rozier only effects the starters.

You do not think Sully vanishing or being dominated by the Hawks has not hurt us?   I do.  I think Crowder, being hurt too hurts us in a lot of ways.  I am all for us using Rozier and the rookies especially if our regulars do not produce.

[GreenWarrior]

if you put the refs in position to screw you, they will.

[Snakehead]

I think the Steve Clifford rant applies here.

https://streamable.com/a5s3

[alldaboston]

if you put the refs in position to screw you, they will.

What's that exactly supposed to mean? We aren't putting the refs in position to screw us if we drive to the rim and get hacked without a call.

[GreenWarrior]

if you put the refs in position to screw you, they will.

What's that exactly supposed to mean? We aren't putting the refs in position to screw us if we drive to the rim and get hacked without a call.

play better and the refs will have no impact on the outcome.

[CoachBo]

Stevens has done a lot during the regular season with a flawed roster of role guys, cast offs, and marginal draft picks. This team is not built for the playoffs. And they're definitely not when beaten up (or in Sully's case -- fat).

Brad can't shoot for his players, pass for his players, defend for his players. He can't go back in time and put better genes into his players. He can't make them taller, faster, or better shooters. And he can't heal them, even though I guess you could say he's responsible for the all-out style that's portal contributed to gritty guys like Crowder and Bradley being worn down.

He can be a motivator, but he can't make his players less intimidated (and they are).

Keep building the talent level on the team. Give Stevens more to work with. But realistically, Celtics fans should take a step back, look at this motley crew of players, and recognized that they've largely overachieved over the past 18 months.

Thank you for injecting some sanity into this thread.