As a Celtics fan, I found it to be rather unpleasant.
If you’re good enough to build the lead, you’re good enough to sustain it.
At least to me.
So in that regard, the Celts choked.
It’s OK to admit it.
That the Cavs choked.
Each side did it twice.
Not to me at least.
They are essentially replicating the Celts 2023-24 season and Celts fans considered that to be legit right?
It’s OK to acknowledge that there are other elite teams in the NBA in my opinion.
It’s why a potential series would be equally as fun.
It starts with Jayson Tatum
To put it simply, Tatum was incredible.
He got to wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted.
We know his whistle is dogshit, but there is no denying we are watching a generational talent.
Both Jays are able to hunt, even against this new look Cavs defense with Hunter and Okoro active.
What we’re seeing is arguably the biggest Celtics killer in history.
He has 3 separate 40 bombs.
The matchup problem exists in a few areas.
For starters, Mitchell is an elite pull up 3pt shooter.
This matters for the same reason it matters that Tatum takes pull up 3s.
It opens everything up.
When you’re worried about his jumper, he has you.
Now you’re dealing with a guy who is an incredible paint/rim finisher getting into that zone with ease.
The next issue comes via hunting.
Sorry, that’s a matchup that Hauser is RARELY going to win.
And for those screaming for Torrey Craig, you’re getting the same result.
Since he got to CLE, the Celts haven’t had an answer for him.
That is objectively true, and it was certainly true last night.
Remember their first loss to CLE on the road?
Up 12 heading into the 4th quarter?
Mitchell went nuts to close that game out, no different than last night.
In this game, that was the Cavs by a landslide.
Both teams went 17-39 from deep, so it’s not like one just had a hot shooting night.
Both were great from deep.
So how did this game change?
In terms of shot totals, they won that battle 94-89.
In terms of made baskets, the Cavs made just 2 more (45-43).
There’s your ballgame.
More wasted possessions (TOs) that led to 15 points.
More OREB and 2nd chance points.
In those moments, you have to execute.
- Which brings me to the defense.
Despite what the numbers show, I haven’t loved the Celts defense as of late.
Whether it was Mitchell or Garland, nobody could stay in front.
This is who they are.
For a team that never fouls, that’s a high ass number.
The Jays combined for 83.
The Celts put up 116 on 48/43% with 17 3PM and lost.
That has been virtually impossible to do during this entire era.
So why did it happen?
Because they did not execute on a consistent basis on the defensive end of the floor.
Eventually, the Cavs were going to make shots in the 1st quarter.
That has to be how the team finished the 3rd quarter.
Pritchard made a 3PM to put them up 11 with 2:23 to go.
White missed 3PA
2.
Tatum missed 2pt FGA
3.
Tatum missed 3PA
4.
Tatum missed 3PA
5.
Tatum made layup
They went essentially those final 2 minutes without making a shot before Tatum’s layup.
Suddenly a 11 point lead with 2 minutes left was a 1 point lead to end the quarter.
So basically, in 5ish minutes of gametime, the Cavs went from down 11 to up 3.
Both with Tatum on and off the floor, which should never happen at home.
We saw the same thing in the final minutes as well.
Jaylen missed layup
2.
Tatum offensive foul on a screen
3.
White missed 3PA
4.
Tatum blocked 3PA
Same thing as the end of the 3rd.
Celts didn’t make a shot on one end, and didn’t get a stop on the other.
Execution, especially late in games, is vital.
The Ugly
- Easily the worst showing from the bench all season.
Not just the fact that they only scored 6 points, but that they lost the bench battle 33-6.
It’s hard to even fathom how awful that is.
To be honest, the Cavs starters had their issues against the Celts starters.
- I know we already talked about it, but it’s annoying how awful the 4th quarter was.
It’s fucked, but whatever at this point.
Tatum just 5 FTs despite how aggressive he was and the blatant contact he dealt with.
The Celts being called for 9 fouls to the Cavs 2 once they went up 17.
The 4th foul on Jaylen happening 2 minutes later with Allen which was a no call.
It wasn’t exactly the best night if you’re looking for a consistent whistle.
That was their own doing.
That was their own lack of defense, rebounding, and overall execution.
- Now 18-11 at home, that’s pretty gross.
Their 8 10+ point blown leads are about league average.
By comparison, the Cavs own 3 4th quarter blown leads and just 2 10+ point blown leads.
Celts have to be better, especially when the games matter most in the 4th.
He didn’t play the first time, and the Nuggets have been playing well.
