I think they can. But they have to want to and be willing to sacrifice to do so. Losses like tonight's make you wonder if they really want to. Giving up a 30-5 run after being up 18 and in total control of the game with 8 min to go suggests that they didn't care enough to put the effort in defensively after Charlotte made their push. This has nothing to do with talent it's to do with effort, in fact I don't think talent means anything without effort and desire.
This is it to me too. If this team wants it, they can beat anyone. When they decide to bring it, and I say when, not if, because I think they will come together in the playoffs, I think they will become the team no one wants to face. I do truly expect a 4 or 5 win first round that will have show a lot of dominant Celtic basketball where suddenly a lot of people are going to not want to play them.
And if it doesn't happen there is always the hopes of adding AD, getting to keep one of the Jays, keeping one first rounder and hitting on it and looking forward to title #18.
Oh, and I might cheer on the Bruins to the Stanley Cup.