Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
While there’s clearly plenty for the Celtics to work on — and the tiny potential for some jockeying in the Eastern Conference seedings — Boston would likely jump at the chance to push the fictional fast-forward button on the season remote, skipping these final coming attractions, and leaping to the featured film.
Sure, it’d be better if Garnett could find a rhythm; if Boston’s new-look starting five could get some extended minutes together; if guys like Terry could snap out of their funk; or if the Celtics could be playing their best basketball of the year.
…
“[The Nets] came in with a better sense of urgency, like the playoffs are right around the corner, and we sort of eased into it, and we can’t do that with a week and a half left,” Pierce said. “They came out with more purpose than us, you saw from the beginning to the end, and we’ve got to understand, we’ve got to raise our intensity at this point of the season. We’ve got to start prepping our mind, our mindset, our game plan, and everything we try to do for the playoffs, and, you know, it was a step back.”
ESPN Boston – Celtics limping to the finish
Anyone else fed up with the rhetoric and this team taking a ‘step-back?’ When do they start taking a step-forward?
While it’s possible the lack of a healthy breakfast has affected my mood, I’m feeling quite sour about the Celtics this morning.
Last night’s game vs Brooklyn was supposed to provide some optimism, a peek at how the Celtics would play in the playoff against elite competition.
And… they sucked.
The same problems that plagued this team in December haven’t gone away.
- Jason Terry’s jumper remains MIA… 78 games into the season.
- Jeff Green cannot play aggressively with Garnett and Paul Pierce on the floor.
- Avery Bradley doesn’t know how to ease back on the throttle when in foul trouble.
- Courtney Lee and Chris Wilcox are weak links.
And to top it off, KG is still wearing a protective boot.
This narrative that they’re a legit contender is laughable. They’ve been a .500 team all season long. They’re 6-11 over the last 17 games. Playoffs? Playoffs!?!
I’ve heard all the excuses:
- They’ll be better once the new guys get familiar with the system
- They play to the level of their opponents.
- They’ll be better once KG returns.
- They’ll be better once Doc rolls out the new line-up.
I’m confident KG and Paul Pierce will ramp up their play and flip-the-switch in the playoffs, but I don’t have any faith in anyone else. Zero.
This team has too many flaws and had to overcome too many injuries.
Hell, we’ve talked ourselves into thinking Shavlik Randolph – a journeyman from China – could be a contributor.
Prepare yourself for a first round exit.
Related: SB Nation: Reeling Celtics look for answers as post season awaits
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Garnett shaking the rust | Whistles slow Bradley | Rapid Reaction: Nets 101 – C’s 93 | CSNNE – Foul trouble costs Bradley, Celtics | Celtics no match for Nets | Herald – Uneven Garnett tries self analysis | Nets cut down Celtics | Kris Joseph earns spot on Nets | C’s head to Miami with little on line | Globe – Garnett shaking off rust | Bradley must tone it down | WEEI – KG: I can be better, and I will be | Doc: We want to play Miami, just not early in playoffs |
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