Just because you were awesome in 2021-22 doesn’t mean shit when it comes to 2022-23.
Every season is different.
Last year the Celts were the hunter as they made their epic turnaround and run.
They were the hunted.
In previous seasons, we saw the Celts struggle with this.
We all remember 2018-19 correct?
It was about addressing the things that cost this team their 18th title last June.
c’mon, sit here and tell me that is not what the Celtics did this regular season.
Now, what do I always say?
That’s what I never really understood when I would hear from the doomers during the year.
Remember when the Celts lost 3 in a row in early March?
We were told that was THE sign that they weren’t going to do well in the playoffs.
A weird 3 game sample.
But because the Celts were losing, that’s who they actually were.
Because that’s bullshit.
They have to go out, play to their potential and execute.
Fact, not opinion.
We learned over the last 6 months what the ceiling of this team can be.
That’s the key in of season we’re dealing with.
For the first time since 2008, this is a true title or bust season.
This isn’t just a “make a Finals and it’s all good” key in season.
It’s either you win the whole goddamn thing, or the year was a failure.
That is where we are right now.
But before we worry about all that, we first have to talk about Game 82.
What a showing that was.
The Good
- Larry Bird, John Havlicek,……Payton Pritchard?
Yes, Payton Pritchard
I’m sorry, but what the hell did we watch yesterday?
I’ll remind you, this is the Celtics 4th guard on their roster.
I’m not even being hyperbolic, look at those tweets!
Not only that, but there were some Hawks regulars mixed in yesterday too.
It’s kind of like Terry Rozier.
The future may not have been in Boston, but I’ll always root for him.
How did he respond?
What we witnessed was a guy shooting himself out of said slump.
You put those two games together and you get 26/5/4 on 59/53% splits with 7 3PM a night.
You may be saying to yourself that this is just a random fluke of hot shooting.
you’re able to’t give him an inch of space.
Making 25 3PM in a game is the 4th highest total we saw any team have this season.
As fun as that may have been to watch, I can’t stop thinking about the ball movement.
In the game prior, the Celts had 37 assists against the Raptors.
Another 33 yesterday, and what you are watching is the epitome of Mazzulla ball.
Again, this is their 4th big.
JD is coming.
Quick shoutout to Derrick White for hitting the 82 games played mark.
Easily their 3rd best player this year, Derrick had a tremendous season.
Remember, this is a dude that ruptured his ear drum and played the very next night.
That will be good enough.
If anyone on the team earned his rest this week, it’s Derrick.
Considering they played 23 since the ASB, that’s a little high for my liking.
As we know, the only thing to truly bury this team is their carelessness with the basketball.
Given who is coming in their playoff path, this will be the most important factor to watch.
Nowhere near enough JD/KAB lobs for my liking.
Allowing 16 OREB is certainly not something I would recommend moving forward.
In fact, it’s bad.
That fastbreak screw up is what stands out to me most.
Gotta pass the ball there my guy.
He did play with good energy, but that only gets you so far.
When he tries to do too much and make something out of nothing, it always fails.
That’s what I care most about for the playoff run.
yo do not try and do too much.
Take your open 3PA, rebound, and defend.
I don’t need isolation offense coming from Grant over these next two months.
I don’t need him trying to break down guys off the dribble.
So now here we go.
This is it, the playoff run has arrived.
Their shot at redemption is underway and our lives are now consumed by 16 wins.
16 wins for immortality.
Buckle the fuck up.
