Think of what Jayson Tatum & Co have done to that fanbase in their last two meetings.
But this isn’t a blog about the Sixers.
This is fact, not opinion.
This entire century, there have only been 4 teams that won 60+ games in a title defense season.
Say they don’t and instead finish with 58-59 wins.
The 05-06 Spurs who won 63?
The 08-09 Celts that won 62?
This shit is NOT normal.
With that said, let us begin.
He was a maestro, completely dictating what happened on either end of the floor.
It’s what the team needed from their superstar in that specific moment.
He took just 13 FGA in this game and it didn’t matter one bit.
Tatum had the ball the same amount he always does (81 touches).
In the games before the break?
He knew he had to shoot and score to carry the offensive load.
When this entire team is healthy and on the floor?
It’s about the decisions that Jayson Tatum makes with the basketball that matter.
This was yet another example of a team simply having a matchup problem when it comes to Tatum.
He’s made that read 1000000000000 times, and was able to bury the Sixers whenever they tried it.
Now it’sveryimportant to remember that securing 40/20does notguarantee you are about to win the title.
We all remember 2023 correct?
But here’s what I do know.
So far, OKC/CLE/BOS are the only teams to check this off.
DEN/NYK/MEM are still alive, but basically can’t lose again until they hit it.
Look, you don’t have to put stock into this.
Everyone can do whatever they want.
A Top 3 seed (on pace) and an SRS of 3.0+ (on pace).
Once they do, buckle the fuck up.
Nobody, and I mean NOBODY kicks the shit out of scrubs in garbage time like Payton Pritchard.
This is their 6th man by the way.
How insane is this?
I’m at the point with Pritchard where he has fully moved into the Ray Allen Zone for me.
My brain is certain every single 3PA he takes is going in.
I’m legit shocked when he misses, especially an open one.
Shit, he even rebounds!
But I do really want to focus on the playmaking leap by Jaylen this season.
Just last season, that number was 21 games in 70 total appearances.
We all just saw Tatum dominate a game with his passing right?
Well now imagine if it’s possible for you to have a similar impact with BOTH of your wings?
That makes you so much harder to guard consistently, which is the entire point.
- If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times.
As Derrick White goes this team goes.
It sounds a little silly, but I truly think White is the barometer for this team.
When he’s good, they basically never lose.
Everything seems to fall apart.
During his prolonged slump, it’s no surprise the Celts looked like dogshit.
White couldn’t make a shot and the offense cratered.
The Celtics essentially haven’t lost.
That was a player that has his confidence back, you could feel it through the TV screen.
- I’d say the same thing about KP.
Just a nice little 5-11 (3-6) with a couple blocks and most importantly, only 25 minutes.
I know he can dominate inside/outside and at protecting the rim.
He’s too valuable, too consistent, too perfect of a fit.
And again, he went into Joel Embiid’s house and snatched his chain, repeatedly.
That matters to me.
- I also enjoy how much Al Horford loves tormenting this fanbase.
And you know what?
I’m sorry if this offends, but Muzzall Ball works.
Not only does it work, it dominates
If you could’t limit the Celts 3PA you’re cooked.
If you have small defenders on the court at any time, you’re cooked.
It’s really that simple.
They are in the top 3 in terms of 3P% (38%) on high volume.
As it turns out, things are pretty difficult when the Celts aren’t missing every 3 they take.
This is also why you do not let a shooting slump change your approach.
You trust the work, you trust the system, you trust Mazzulla Ball.
Definitely makes me pretty annoyed at the 17-10 home record, but whatever.
If those two things were flipped I think we’d all be happy so it is what it is.
In the playoffs, you have to win on the road.
Champions win on the road and they win on the road in dominant fashion.
That list in Grande’s tweet?
9 of those teams won the title.
- As far as I’m concerned, Torrey Craig’s Celtics career is off to a great start.
Rebounds, play defense, make your open corner 3s.
This was an ass kicking like you read about.
Having said that, things could definitely been cleaner.
Be physical, get into their airspace, and reach.
In a playoff game/series, limiting your live ball turnovers/opponent’s points off TOs is everything.
- Yabu deserves better than this.
It’s gross and frankly, it’s insulting.
I can’t imagine watching/rooting for that shit.
Between his whistle and the generous whistle Maxey gets, all I ask is for consistency.
If you’re going to call everything a foul, then call everything a foul.
That seems like the normal thing to do and yet……
Alright so here we go.
When they do that, we know what happens.
Now just keep it going.
