That’s not exclusive to them, that’s what happens with every champ.
That’s not a crazy statement, it’s one that I would mostly agree with.
But there’s also something to be said about these types of games.
When it came time for the Celtics to get a game saving stop, that’s what mattered.
Not the fact that it was the 2-11 Raptors.
When it came time to win the game, their execution in that spot mattered.
Joe talks about it all the time.
It takes what it takes.
The second you allow yourself to assume a game should go a certain way, you’re cooked.
Then once it doesn’t, your spirit is broken because you didn’t meet expectations.
Instead, embrace the chaos.
Whatever it takes, for however long it takes.
It was ugly, it was tense, but the team never wavered.
When it came time to figure shit out, they figured shit out.
Best team in the league or worst team in the league, it’s all the same.
Can you execute on both ends of the floor when the game is on the line?
Last night, the answer was yes.
Now let’s dive in.
All you’re free to do is laugh.
I’ll remind you, Jayson Tatum is currently shooting over 38% from three on11 3PA a night.
We’re watching a top 3 player in the NBA right now, and that might be low.
He had 9 against BKN (W) and 11 again last night (W).
He plays every single night, something that is certainly not the norm for a player of his status.
A beautiful 9-10 last night, Jaylen is now sitting at a career best 78% for the season.
- Score one for Mazzulla Ball and all who observe.
Last night was your classic 3 > 2 game.
You drop 76 points in the paint on high efficiency, you should win that game right?
Maybe against non-Mazzulla Ball teams.
But against this team, you have to understand the math.
The Celts had a +36 point differential from behind the arc, and won the game by 3 points.
But there’s a reason you should believe in lifetime 40% three point shooters.
Eventually, they are going to see the ball drop and once they do, the floodgates open.
- The Queta minutes are always going to be a rollercoaster.
There are times like last night defensively where he gets completely eaten alive.
Poeltl had that man in hell.
But there are also times when he flashes just enough potential that the mistakes are worth it.
You have to remember, this is the Celtics 4th big.
The rim running, the rim protection, the offensive rebounding, those are all valuable skills.
He deserves credit for that.
That’s the future right there.
Just sit in the corner and make that shot is all I ask.
- Al Horford on 2 days rest might be one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The Celts defense continues to be mostly dogshit.
It’s been awful.
Part of this to me is the perimeter defense.
Stop letting your guy get into the paint with ease.
Watching the Celts guard the perimeter has been Luka Doncic levels of pathetic.
Where is the resistance?
Where is not allowing your man to get all the way to the rim?
Giving up 123 points to THAT Raptors team is inexcusable.
That’s happened about 4 or 5 times now to start the year and it remains very annoying.
That cannot be too much to ask.
Allowing multiple possessions late in games is how you lose.
I truly do not understand it.
We all see it!
Clean that shit up.
- Derrick White missed a late 4th quarter FT.
I didn’t even know he was capable of doing that.
Just not even in the same galaxy it was shocking how bad of a miss this was
But whatever!
In the end, he redeemed himself and the Celts pulled out the win.
Win by blowout, win a close game, it’s all the same to me.
