There was a time when beating the Nets used to mean something whenever BOS/BKN linked up.
Now with most of the star power gone, this is simply just a bad matchup for the Nets.
That’s really all this is, and they certainly aren’t alone.
Just look across the East and you’ll see a lot of similar runs.
The Celts have won 6 of 7 against MIA, because they’re a bad matchup for the Heat.
They’ve won 6 of 8 against PHI, because guess why?
The Celts are a bad matchup for the Sixers.
For me, this isn’t really about the Nets.
They are a nonfactor.
I dunno, all those teams kind of stink.
That’s not nothing.
At this time of year, what matters is stacking wins.
That’s what we got last night and boy was it glorious.
Let’s dive in.
The Good
- As explained in previous blogs, we live by a certain rule in these parts.
Fact, not opinion.
He’s doing everything else, that’s the final step.
If he brings the 18th banner to this franchise, he is an instant God.
That is what is on the line here.
That’s a leader.
That’s someone who knows winning is more important than anything else.
I’ll admit, that feels like cheating.
I love his ball security as long as he’s able to avoid his late game CTE.
I believe this is what the kids call “separation”.
Is it possible to have a conference locked up before the All Star Break?
Again I say, holy shit.
- Why is that 42-12 significant?
Oh that’s right, the Celts won the title.
Just be like everyone else!
That is all I am asking for here.
I feel like that’s not too much to ask at this point.
If there’s one thing Al Horford will always be, it’s consistent.
I need at least 5 more years of Al with this group, and that’s at a minimum.
No starter had under 3 AST, with 4 of the 5 finishing with at least 4.
When the ball moves like this, I just don’t know how anyone guards this team.
It’s really a lose/lose for opposing defenses.
Who wouldn’t like that?
While he does plenty of things well, this is an issue.
In a playoff series where possessions are limited, having a weak link defensively can easily be exploited.
It didn’t cost them last night, but it is something to monitor.
- Missing 6 FTs is gross.
Don’t do that shit again.
Having said that, his ball security these last two games has been awful.
Aside from the TO total, it’s the way they are happening that’s not ideal.
Where things get dicey is it’s very apparent when Jaylen starts to get on tilt.
What it’s possible for you to’t overcome is bonehead decisions in big moments of close games.
The Celts only scored 20 points in that quarter with a 95 ORTG and a 23% TOV%.
That is the very definition of gross basketball.
The thing is, these are the games/moments where the Celts SHOULD be trying all this stuff.
Scroll back up to the standings graphic, they can afford to test things out right now.
It should be encouraged.
I would like this team to learn to be balanced and effective no matter who is handling the ball.
You know what nobody should want?
For this team to be Jayson Tatum merchants.
The others have to feel comfortable in that spot, and the execution has to stay the course.
That is why 4th quarters like last night are important, even if they suck ass.
The reps and the experience are what matter for this team big picture.
Just typing that record felt so insane, but that’s just what a wagon looks like.
