While trade buzz is fun, what will always matter more to me is what happens on the hardwood.
Even a game like last night against the 10th seeded 22-29 Hawks.
Having already made a trade earlier in the day, it’s only natural that players might be distracted.
Not all wins are going to be like your playing the G-League Grizzlies where you win by 40.
Sometimes you have to grind shit out and find a way to win.
Personally, I think there’s value in games like that.
That’s what the regular season is for in my opinion.
Even with its flaws, it still ruled.
The Good
- New blog rule.
That Statmuse tweet talks about big man only, but what about all players in NBA history?
Yes, he remains perfect.
I mean did you see how he was flying around in this game?!
I’m to believe that player is 37 years old?
In fact, the numbers back this up too.
A well rested Al Horford is still very much that guy.
Based on what my eyes saw last night, Al on 2 days rest is basically Heat LeBron.
I mean he did everything.
Sure they have stars, but Al is the ultimate connector.
What Porzingis has done for both the Celtics offense and the Celtics defense cannot be understated.
It’s changed everything.
Just lob it to the 7'3 guy and let him shoot it.
Here’s some additional good news.
He cracked the code.
That’s not hyperbole, that is a legitimate fact
Imagine seeing this tweet in 2021.
That’s what everyone says they want to see right?
That shouldn’t go unnoticed.
- As I always say, perspective is important.
Was this the best the Celts have ever looked?
No longer being Tatum/Brown merchants is how this team wins a title.
It was win 39.
I need that to become a team rule if we’re being honest.
At the very least, he has to touch the ball, no excuses.
What is it about that guy in the Garden where he turns into the greatest shooter of all time?
It was basically a repeat of their playoff series.
You know how everyone is annoyed the Celts let that go to 6 games?
You know why that was?
Because the Hawks feasted on OREB and 2nd chance points.
It’s how you find yourself in a series that goes 6 that you probably should have swept.
Jayson Tatum, despite being aggressive, had just 2 FTA in 35 minutes.
Jaylen, had 1.
Yes, the Celts shot 49 3s.
The Hawks also shot 41 and somehow got to the line 20 times.
Yet when it comes to points int he paint, the Celts had 58 to ATL’s 56.
Makes no goddamn sense.
The Ugly
- Everything about the first half defense.
Giving up 67 points and not really showing any signs of resistance early, that was gross.
I understand Trae Young is shifty, but it was more of the same.
- I can’t sit here and tell you 2-13 from Tatum is good.
But to me the issue isn’t so much the number, it’s the decisions.
Possession after possession we saw him settle.
As with everything, time and situation matter.
That’s bad offense, that’s bad decision making.
But hey, 39-12 is 39-12.
Keep that train rolling into the All Star break and you’ll earn your well deserved rest.
Not a bad place to be if you ask me.
