BOSTON – Every team hits a lull at some point in an 82-game NBA season – even the defending champions.
For the Boston Celtics, that lull is happening right now. But that doesn’t mean there’s any reason to panic.
The team acknowledged its recent struggles following Wednesday’s 118-114 loss to the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, marking their fourth defeat over the last seven games. They said their focus has faltered of late, and that they just need to lock back in as they approach the new calendar year.
“I think we’ve got to take some ownership,” said Jayson Tatum, who was a bright spot despite the loss, finishing with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. “We’ve got to be better. We’ve got to acknowledge the things we’ve done that are not so great. We’ve got to look in the mirror and man up. We fully believe in ourselves, the things we can do when we’re fully locked in, and we’ve done it time and time again. We’ve just had some lapses recently and we’ve just got to get that s— right.”
The C’s experienced some defensive lapses in the first half of Wednesday’s game, surrendering 66 points before the break. However, they also had stretches where they were extremely locked in, like during the third quarter, when they allowed just 16 points, and also down the final stretch when they went on a 26-9 run to make it a two-point game.
But looking at the game as a whole, there was just too much inconsistency. And inconsistency has been a consistency with this team of late.
“Just didn’t have great offensive rhythm, just didn’t have great defensive execution,” Joe Mazzulla noted. “So it’s inconsistent. We’re playing inconsistent basketball. So we’ve got to be better at both ends of the floor. Got to be more consistent at both ends of the floor.”
Al Horford echoed his coach’s observations.
“I think that’s a fair criticism from him,” said Horford, who was plus-22 despite the four-point loss. “I just think that we have to really dive into our work a little more and understand that we can’t relax during periods of the game, no matter the circumstance. We have to make sure that we’re a little better in that regard and with this group, and I know that we’re capable of getting it together.”
It’s easier to do that when they’re literally “together” for an extended period of time. The Celtics haven’t had that luxury this season, as Horford pointed out, which has certainly played a role in some of the inconsistency. And it likely played a role Wednesday without Jrue Holiday in the lineup and with Kristaps Porzingis out for most of the game.
“One of the things that doesn’t get necessarily talked about: Last year I felt like we were pretty healthy throughout,” Horford said. “And I think this year has been a lot of in-and-outs, and guys filling in, and guys doing this and doing that. So there are different dynamics. It’s just different. I just think we’ll continue to figure it out. Defensively, continuing to make strides there. And then on offense, making sure that we’re playing a style of ball that we want to play, which is playing faster and moving the ball.”
They’ll have to play faster in the next two games, as they welcome the fast-paced Pacers for a weekend miniseries. The teams had quite the overtime battle in their first matchup on October 30, which Indy won, 135-132.
“Now we have to turn the page and start working again, getting together again, getting our bodies ready, our minds ready for the next challenge, and that’s Indiana,” Horford said. “It’s a team that plays tough, that beat us over in Indiana, so we have to be able to respond and protect home court.”
BOSTON – Every team hits a lull at some point in an 82-game NBA season – even the defending champions.
For the Boston Celtics, that lull is happening right now. But that doesn’t mean there’s any reason to panic.
The team acknowledged its recent struggles following Wednesday’s 118-114 loss to the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, marking their fourth defeat over the last seven games. They said their focus has faltered of late, and that they just need to lock back in as they approach the new calendar year.
“I think we’ve got to take some ownership,” said Jayson Tatum, who was a bright spot despite the loss, finishing with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. “We’ve got to be better. We’ve got to acknowledge the things we’ve done that are not so great. We’ve got to look in the mirror and man up. We fully believe in ourselves, the things we can do when we’re fully locked in, and we’ve done it time and time again. We’ve just had some lapses recently and we’ve just got to get that s— right.”
The C’s experienced some defensive lapses in the first half of Wednesday’s game, surrendering 66 points before the break. However, they also had stretches where they were extremely locked in, like during the third quarter, when they allowed just 16 points, and also down the final stretch when they went on a 26-9 run to make it a two-point game.
But looking at the game as a whole, there was just too much inconsistency. And inconsistency has been a consistency with this team of late.
“Just didn’t have great offensive rhythm, just didn’t have great defensive execution,” Joe Mazzulla noted. “So it’s inconsistent. We’re playing inconsistent basketball. So we’ve got to be better at both ends of the floor. Got to be more consistent at both ends of the floor.”
Al Horford echoed his coach’s observations.
“I think that’s a fair criticism from him,” said Horford, who was plus-22 despite the four-point loss. “I just think that we have to really dive into our work a little more and understand that we can’t relax during periods of the game, no matter the circumstance. We have to make sure that we’re a little better in that regard and with this group, and I know that we’re capable of getting it together.”
It’s easier to do that when they’re literally “together” for an extended period of time. The Celtics haven’t had that luxury this season, as Horford pointed out, which has certainly played a role in some of the inconsistency. And it likely played a role Wednesday without Jrue Holiday in the lineup and with Kristaps Porzingis out for most of the game.
“One of the things that doesn’t get necessarily talked about: Last year I felt like we were pretty healthy throughout,” Horford said. “And I think this year has been a lot of in-and-outs, and guys filling in, and guys doing this and doing that. So there are different dynamics. It’s just different. I just think we’ll continue to figure it out. Defensively, continuing to make strides there. And then on offense, making sure that we’re playing a style of ball that we want to play, which is playing faster and moving the ball.”
They’ll have to play faster in the next two games, as they welcome the fast-paced Pacers for a weekend miniseries. The teams had quite the overtime battle in their first matchup on October 30, which Indy won, 135-132.
“Now we have to turn the page and start working again, getting together again, getting our bodies ready, our minds ready for the next challenge, and that’s Indiana,” Horford said. “It’s a team that plays tough, that beat us over in Indiana, so we have to be able to respond and protect home court.”
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