Bright Side Lessons from the Playoffs

[DefenseWinsChamps]

1. We definitely need Irving moving forward to get us tough buckets when we can't score.
2. Tatum learned that he can score on anyone in the toughest moments.
3. Brown and Rozier both struggled the last game of the season. If you don't think that will motivate all their workouts this off-season and for the rest of their career, you might not understand what struggles in a loss can do to a competitor's psyche.
4. Tough-nosed defense is not a lost art. It is part of every great championship team and the future of this team's success.

That's all I got for now. I'm bummed about the loss, but I'm sure this will be used as motivation and learning for the future.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Bump? No comments?

[rondofan1255]

Love the positivity! Silver lining for me is that none of the more inexperienced players would have gotten this much experience with a healthy C's squad.

1. Looking forward to watching a healthy Irving next year!
2. I'm picking Tatum to make the ASG next year. Should get the recognition if he plays well after the playoffs.
3. Agree! I know Baynes mentioned Game 7 2013 with the Spurs, but Rozier narrowly missed the Final Four in college and played horribly in the Elite Eight game. Kept shooting. Went to OT. Clutch players have bad games like Brown and Rozier had last night. Expecting both to improve over the offseason! Contract year Terry and a motivated Brown!
4. 

[johnnygreen]

First off, I want to thank the players, coaching staff, the front office, and ownership for a fantastic season. After just five minutes into this season, I couldn't have dreamed of being in game 7 of the conference finals. Having said that, this is what I learned:

1. Having players like Irving and Hayward, is the difference between winning and losing on the road in the playoffs.
2. The difference between Irving and Smart & Rozier is dramatic. Irving has total control of the offense, in that he can create open looks for his teammates and make a 3, get to the free throw line, or drive to the rim at will. At much as he tried, Rozier doesn’t create shot opportunities for teammates, and is an inconsistent scorer.
3. We learned that Tatum is not afraid of the big stage and will back down from nobody. He just needs to add some muscle, do a better job of taking care of the ball when driving to the basket, and be more aggressive when the team needs it.
4. I’m expected another big leap from Jaylen Brown this offseason. With all the switching the team does, he needs to learn how to be a better post defender. He also needs to do a better job of driving to the basket, as he gets tied up or blocked too often for a guy of his athletic ability.
5. This may have also been a good learning lesson for coach Stevens. Due to the injuries to Irving and Hayward, the expectations to win a title were not there during this playoff run. However, due to the success of this team and the expected growth of Tatum and Brown, along with the hopeful health of Irving and Hayward, the expectation next season will be a title or to at least be in the Finals.
6. One thing that I would like to also see next season is for them to not be so reliant on the 3. I still want them to shoot the 3, but if guys aren’t making them, then I want those players to try to get easier shots that day.
7. Not to be forgotten, but how good of a free agent signing has Al Horford been. He has been the anchor for a team that has gone to back-to-back conference finals since he's been here.