Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I don’t think we’re playing with the same type of swagger,” Crowder said. “[The Hawks] started building that swagger within themselves, you started hearing them yell and talk and be excited. We don’t show any passion, any excitement any more. We have to get back to that.”
And why have the Celtics lost that swagger?
“I don’t know. We’ve got to figure that out,” Crowder said. “We don’t know. Playing for one another is a big part of it. We’ve got to learn how to do that and get off all of ourselves, get our swagger back, get our excitement.”
Well, what started off as a perhaps understandable loss to Cleveland has turned into a full-fledged slump. The Celtics looked worse on defense against Detroit than they did against Cleveland, and they looked even worse on both ends against Atlanta than they did against Detroit.
Perhaps the most unsettling part of the Celtics’ inconsistency this season is that the head coach is a guy who, to all appearances, values consistency of effort more than anything else.
Isaiah also made an interesting comment after last night’s game (quoted below from Chris Forsberg’s game story):
we almost led the whole game and you wouldn’t have even thought we did just because of how our energy was and how nobody was smiling, nobody was happy for whatever reason.
Thomas was also quick to remind reporters after the game that they can’t rely on Stevens to do all their thinking for them:
“I don’t know, honestly,” he said. “We haven’t made adjustments. The last two teams go to one or two plays, and we play it the same way each and every time down. I mean, Atlanta played probably one play the last five minutes, and they scored on it. As players, we have to figure that out. Coach can’t always help us out on the court. I think this team always looks for Brad (Stevens) to, if things are going wrong, always looking to the bench. A more mature team doesn’t always need to look at their coach.”
I’m not sure if this is lingering dissatisfaction with minutes and roles, or what the deal is, but this is a team that is headed in the wrong direction, mentally, and they need to snap out of it. I expect they will, but it is frustrating to see the wins come in bunches and then the losses as well.
Page 2: Where Jae Crowder is happy to be a Celtic
Yes, he was pretty frustrated after last night, but Jae’s in a good place overall.
DEC 18TH LAST YR I BECAME A CELTIC…. HAVENT LOOKED BACK SINCE.! #BLESSED #99PROBLEMS #CELTICSNATION
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) December 18, 2015
“It was a special day for me. You know?” Crowder said. “The loss ruined it a little bit for me. But, at the same time, I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”
CSNNE: Loss spoils Crowder’s career-high on trade anniversary
Jae has started every game for the Celtics this year. He’s sort of a walking, talking embodiment of the phrase ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Which isn’t to say that Rick Carlisle’s a bad coach or anything, but it has been pretty neat to see Jae Crowder find a valuable role in Boston. If you’re casting about for guys on the roster who could potentially grow into that Captain’s badge, Jae’s probably the only one that stands out right now.
Finally: Isaiah Thomas is–or used to be–a Pizza Guy
If you want to get buzzed in a hurry, do a shot every time you hear the words “Pizza guy” or “Pizza guys” in this fifteen second commercial.
Also, this is probably why Vivek Ranadive doesn’t use ‘endorsement opportunities’ to lure free agents to Sacramento.
The rest of the links:
Depressing game coverage:
CSNNE: Hawks step up, Celtics fall down in fourth quarter | Thomas on Celtics issues: ‘We gotta figure it out’ |Scalabrine: Wasn’t a clean game by the Celtics
MassLive.com: Isaiah Thomas has another big night, but Boston Celtics crumble late to fall to Atlanta Hawks, 109-101
Boston Globe: Skid shows Celtics have holes to fill
NESN: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder Rip Celtics’ Lack Of Energy, Accountability
Less depressing coverage of other stuff–mostly Jae Crowder:
CSNNE: Celtics got more than they imagined with Crowder | The trade one year later: Crowder the key for Celtics?
MassLive.com: Jae Crowder: One-year anniversary of trade to Boston Celtics a ‘special’ day
Boston.com: Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk is inconsistent, but integral and improving
NESN: Celtics Notes: Jae Crowder Grateful To Be In Boston On ‘Special Day’ | Celtics’ Jae Crowder Has Made Presence Felt In Year Since Rajon Rondo Trade
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