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.
Isaiah Thomas: We’re not as good as we thought we were. When we don’t come out with a sense of urgency, we’re not a good team.
— Bill Doyle (@BillDoyle15) November 7, 2016
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Brad Stevens called Celtics a “finesse team.” Takes blame for recent struggles, but essentially calls team soft right now.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) November 7, 2016
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Just a wretched home performance by the Celtics against a team that lost by 20 in Detroit last night
— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) November 7, 2016
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We’ll see what Boston’s like when KO, Horford, and Crowder are back, key guys. But for a team that touts depth and versatility, rough stuff.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) November 7, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOof. Ugh. Yuck. During the first half of a 123-107 embarrassment, the Celtics essentially laid down on the parquet floor and begged the Denver Nuggets to score as many points as they wanted. Please, Emmanuel Mudiay, drive free to the basket enough times to build confidence in your broken jump shot. By all means, Wilson Chandler, overpower whichever smaller defender stands in front of you. Of course, Danilo Gallinari, feel welcome to slam a dunk straight through both of our big men’s hearts.
“The nicest way I could say this is I think we play like a finesse team and [the Nuggets] play physical,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “So I kind of saw that right out of the gate. They were getting where they wanted to on their drives. And that’s who we’ve been the last week.”
Stevens didn’t want to say “soft,” but he basically did. Without Jae Crowder and Al Horford, the Celtics have lost their defensive identity and are allowing opponents free reign at the rim without repercussions. They aren’t even fouling hard. They are slap fouls. They are not putting anyone on their backs.
So how is that method working so far? The Celtics are 3-3 and are allowing nearly 112 points per game. They are imposing no physical will on the game, and when they do, they foul. The Celtics attempted 119 free throws in six games. Their opponents? 182.
Globe – Arrogant Celtics aren’t holding up bargain on other end of the court
It’s only been six games, and we shouldn’t overreact, but last night’s game was embarrassing, a disaster, and puzzling as hell. The squad that fought hard in Cleveland last week was a complete no-show against Denver. This can’t be blamed on the injuries, and it’s also not a “can’t win ’em all” situation. No matter what, it’s the NBA and you still have to compete. Being demolished, wire-to-wire, at home, on two days’ rest, is not competing. The players know it, and Brad knows it.
We’re expecting a lot from this team. How they respond to this sudden crisis should tell us whether or not we’re expecting too much.
Related: CSNNE – Isaiah Thomas: “At This Point We’re All Talk” On Defense (post-game interview video) | Celtics Can’t Fight Back After Rough First Half, Lose To Nuggets, 123-107 | Stars, Studs And Duds: Nuggets’ Physicality Trumps Celtics’ Finesse | NESN – Celtics Wrap: Nuggets Demolish C’s As Boston Suffers Worst Loss Of Season | MassLive – Brad Stevens bashes Boston Celtics defense: ‘We play like a finesse team’ | Denver Nuggets beat down Boston Celtics: 10 things to like/dislike (mostly dislike) from a bad loss | Isaiah Thomas calls Boston Celtics defense ‘all talk,’ but what has gone wrong? | Globe – Celtics routed by Nuggets | ESPN Boston – What’s wrong with the Celtics’ defense? | Herald – Bulpett: Fans let Celtics have it after ugly defeat | Celtics Notebook: Brad Stevens could make changes to rotation after ugly loss | Celtics defense pathetic in loss to Nuggets
On Page 2: Say no to no. 20
Ray Allen retired this week as the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made, a two-time NBA champion, and a forgotten Slam Dunk Contest entrant.
Allen played for the Celtics from 2007 to 2012, hitting 798 3-pointers during that time. Here are some of his biggest shots.
Boston.com – 8 times Ray Allen defined clutch for the Celtics (some thrilling highlights here)
Catching up on a topic from last week, Ray’s announcement stirred discussion about whether or not the Celtics should retire his number 20. The answer is simple: Nope.
First, some say if Kevin Garnett’s number goes to the rafters, so should Ray’s. But although they joined Boston in the same year, there’s really no comparison. KG resuscitated the franchise by establishing a ferocious defensive identity and winning mentality. He should’ve been MVP in 2007-08.
As much as I respect Ray and loved his clutch shooting when he played here, his impact on the team, and the fans, was in no way equal to that of KG. Just look at 2009. If Ray had missed those playoffs, we would’ve thought, “OK, the Cs can still win this.” But when injured Kevin was ruled out before Game 1, we all knew the end was a matter of time.
Ray’s departure – taking less money to join a rival – also works against him, and it should. In Red’s day, a number retirement demonstrated appreciation for a player’s loyalty. That’s why guys like Don Nelson and Jim Loscutoff are up there. Ray’s move was the opposite of loyalty.
Finally, there are concerns that the Cs have retired too many numbers over the years, and maybe so. If a line needs to be drawn, don’t make exceptions for someone who’s not clear cut. And Ray isn’t.
And, finally: 35 years of awesome
35 years of sitting next to Tommy -watching the Celtics from great seats-and getting PAID! – don’t wake me-not now-not ever #CSN #Celtics
— Mike Gorman (@celticsvoice) November 7, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsLast night was the 35th anniversary of the first time Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn teamed up to announce a Celtics game. This is a longer partnership than any other broadcasting team in NBA history, and probably longer than any tandem ever. Most Celtics fans today have never known another duo, which is fortunate. They may be homers, but they’re our homers.
The Rest of the Links:
CSNNE – Beyond The Numbers: Thomas And Bradley Becoming Top-Tier Backcourt | Olynyk Feels ‘Really Good,’ Still Misses Game vs. Nuggets
MassLive – Boston Celtics notes: Jae Crowder will not rush back from ankle injury
Herald – Denver’s Jameer Nelson looks back fondly on short Celtics stint
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