Disjointed Celtics
The Celtics didn’t sound too alarmed when they lost on the road to the lowly Bulls over the weekend. Forget that their opponents were third to last in the so-called Leastern Conference. Or that they had hitherto waxed the very same hosts by a record score. Or that it was their second straight setback coming off All-Star weekend. As far as they were concerned, it was an off-night that could easily be explained away. “You’re going to have clunkers in the (National Basketball Association),” head coach Brad Stevens argued. Meanwhile, top dog Kyrie Irving exhibited supreme confidence in declaring that the seemingly lethargic play wouldn’t be carrying over to the playoffs. “Because I’m here,” he noted.
Well, Irving was likewise present yesterday, and he did little to combat the Raptors en route to yet another setback for the Celtics. In fact, he scored just seven points off an anemic threeof-10 shooting from the field in 28 minutes on the court, his lowest output since the second week of the season. Significantly, he laid an egg after the second quarter, his disappearing act a major reason for their inability to climb back from a deficit that went up to as high as 31. Little wonder, then, that he wore a long face in the aftermath.
Indeed, there were no bright spots during or after their embarrassing setback to the Raptors. Heading into the set-to, not a few quarters deemed them motivated to show their best, and not just because they looked primed for a bounceback. More importantly, they were facing competition regarded to be among their toughest in the postseason en route to a projected Finals appearance. Instead, they limped through a second period in which they had a whopping eight turnovers, twice as many as the field goals they made. And they were worse — make that much worse — at the other end of the floor; they allowed 36 points off 14 baskets, 11 of which were assisted.
Perhaps the Celtics can weather their latest storm and summon enough momentum to finish the season in fulfillment of their promise. They certainly have the talent to do so. Then again, when their best player responds with “I don’t know” and “It’s up to Brad” to queries on their disjointed play, it’s hard for fans to stay upbeat. At this point, even they themselves aren’t anymore.
Perhaps the Boston Celtics can weather their latest storm and summon enough momentum to finish the season in fulfillment of their promise. They certainly have the talent to do so. Then again, when their best player responds with “I don’t know” and “It’s up to Brad” to queries on their disjointed play, it’s hard for fans to stay upbeat. At this point, even they themselves aren’t anymore.