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Celtics Need To Reclaim Their Identity

The Celtics need to reclaim their identity. In the last sixteen games, they are 8-8. Poor passing is creating turnovers. With the All-Star game around the corner, the team needs to regroup and focus on defense. In this post, we will evaluate three categories the club needs to focus on.

Focus On Defense

The Celtics have failed miserably on defense. In their latest loss to the Thunder, they gave up a franchise= high 150 points. It was 1979 when the Celtics suffered such a humiliating defeat.

With the second half approaching, the organization has to toughen up. Losing close games, the Celtics will slip further and further in the standings. With the Nets red hot, it’s time to play smart.

Solid Coaching

First-year head coach Joe Mazzulla is learning fast. Being a top seed, the team needs solid coaching. Managing Jayson Tatum’s minutes along with Jaylen Brown is crucial.

Getting balanced scoring is essential not only in winning but in preventing injury. The Celtics have one of the deepest benches in the league. Depth was the key to the early season success.

Contributions from Peyton Pritchard, Blake Griffin, and Sam Hauser need to continue. If the Nets continue their torrid winning streak, the organization will need help from the whole bench.

Strong Communication Amongst Each Other

History has shown that the Celtics win through teamwork. Communicating with each other is important down the stretch. Although it’s still early, the team is making costly turnovers. Sloppy passing has been too obvious this season. Closing out games is the difference between success and losing.

Conclusion

If the Celtics learned anything from the finals, playing tough defense is one example of winning. The club needs to work together and improve on its decision -making. They are still making the same mistakes as they did last spring in the finals against Golden State.

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Celtics Defense Will Determine The Outcome

The Celtic’s defense will determine the outcome in the playoffs. Wednesday the Celtics went up 2-0. Boston was down by seventeen. The Celtics are shooting 35% from the three_point range. Brooklyn is shooting47% from the three _point area. Both teams are tied in turnovers and rebounds. In this post, we will review three areas the team needs to focus on.

Durant Struggling

Star player Kevin Durant is struggling. Durant was 8 for 17 from the field in game two. Jayson Tatum’s defense has shut him down and frustrated him. Point guard Kyrie Irving just had ten points. Forward Jaylen Brown had a monster game making clutch shots. In two games, Brown has a total of forty_five points while shooting 300 from three _point land.

In_ game two, Brown had his biggest game as a pro. helping the Celtics overcome a seventeen_ point deficit.

Marcus Smart Shutting Down Opponent

One player frustrating the Nets is Marcus Smart. Smart is having one of the best playoff series of his career. In two games, Smart has forty_five points. he is shooting 333 from the three _point area.

In order to beat the nets, Smart must continue to score. In two games, Kevin Durant is completely frustrated by Smart’s play. Games three and four will be pivotal for Smart and the Celtics.

Play As A _Team

As the series progresses, the Celtics will have to play together. Keeping the turnovers down and rebounding will be significant. The Celtics have committed fourteen turnovers. In the rebounding department, they have a total of 39.5.

Getting big points from the bench has been crucial. Grant Williams, Payton Pritchard, and Daniel Theis have been spectacular. Pritchard especially has been clutch, off the bench.

Conclusion

Head coach Ime Udoka has the Celtics believing in themselves. It’s only two games but the team is playing together. Believing in one another is the key to beating any team. personally, i like the Celtics in six. Boston has a deeper bench and is better defensively than Brooklyn.

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Celtics Playing Like Contenders In The NBA East

The Celtics are playing like contenders in the NBA East. Boston has been one of the hottest teams in the league as of late. With, the trade deadline hours away, the Celtics will be buyers. For the first time in two years, the Celtics are the talk of the town. In this post, we will review three areas the club needs to focus on to stay, in the hunt.

Number One Defensively

The Celtics are number one defensively in the NBA. They are currently riding on a six_ game winning streak. Their longest winning streak this season. Basketball has resurrected again in Beantown.

Not as popular as the Bird era, the team is getting a lot of attention. Led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have one of the toughest clubs defensively. Jayson Tatum was selected for his third straight All_Star appearance.

Head coach Ime Udoka has the club believing in one another. The results have been positive as the team sits as a seventh seed in the East. Playing defense is been a priority for Udoka. Winning in the playoffs will depend on playing together and defense.

Consistent Ball Movement

Consistent ball movement has been another bright spot for the Celtics. The team has been passing more than in previous seasons. Jayson Tatum has a total of 203 assists. Point guard Marcus Smart has a league_ high of 249 assists.

Playing together and strong communication are essential tools for winning. The group is likable and it shows on the court.

Creating Less Turnovers

The Celtics are still committing unnecessary turnovers. Making lazy passes is still a problem. Communication is important in order to pull out close games. Winning close games will determine how far the Celtics finish this season. Blowing large leads will only cause disappointment. Being patient is a sign of an intelligent playoff team.

Conclusion

If the team expects to keep winning, playing together is a must. Having trust in one another and strong defensive stands are two ingredients for success. With, the trade deadline here, adding another role player is important for the chemistry. I like the Celtics winning two rounds in the playoffs.

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Boston Celtics 2122 Team Preview

The Boston Celtics 2122 season is underway. The team is coming off a disappointing playoff loss. After finishing 3rd in the East, the Celtics hope to go deep in this year’s post season. But first, the club needs to win and win consistently. They had one of the busiest offseasons in team history. They said goodbye to Kemba Walker and welcomed back Al Horford. Semi Ojeleye is now a Buck and Tacko Fall is a Cleveland Cavalier. General Manager Brad Stevens acquired Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson, and Juancho Hermangomez.

They also gave up their number one pick as part of the Kemba Walker trade to Oklahoma. In this post, we will review three areas the Celtics need to focus on to reach the finals.

Consistent Scoring

Last season, the organization finished fourth in the league in scoring. Averaging 113 points per game, the Celtics hope Dennis Schroder can add some firepower. Josh Richardson will add punch off the bench. Forward Juancho Hermangomez adds muscle and rebounding.

Free _agent sam Hauser out of Virginia was signed to provide depth. The club finished second overall in the three _point shooting area. Boston should be much deeper off the bench with Dennis Schroder and sharp_shooter Sam Hauser.

If the Celtics can stay healthy, then they will be stronger this year than in 2020.

Tougher Defensively

Last year the Celtics ranked fourth defensively, giving up 107 points per game. Rebounding_ wise, they finished eleventh overall. Closing out tight games was an issue with the team last season. Adding Hermangomez, Richardson, Enes Kanter, and Al Horford should help in that area.

Forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are getting better with age. Brown is taking his game to a new level. A healthy Marcus Smart will keep the Celtics near the top.

Improvement in Communication and Cutback on Turnovers

One area that needs improvement is in the turnover department. Far too many times did the Celtics commit silly mistakes that cost them leads. Holding down large leads is a top priority. New coach Ime Udoka will have to be strict with his players and stress fundamentals.

Former general manager Danny Ainge left. Brad Stevens was promoted to General Manager. Good communication is essential. If Udoka is going to be successful then strong communication is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion

Being a new coach in Boston is not easy. The Celtics played sloppy basketball too often last season. Having good ball movement creates opportunity. Udoka needs to push his players and stress defense. Hopefully, banner number eighteen is in reach.

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Celtics Season Ends IN Disappointment

The 2020 Celtics season came to a close, in disappointment on Sunday, at the hands of The Miami Heat. Many fans are upset at head coach Brad Stevens for the way he handled the team. Other factors such as 3 point shooting hurt the team. Several questions need to be addressed this offseason. In this post, we will review three areas of the team to improve upon to get to the 2121 NBA finals.                                                                                                                                                 Celtics 2020 Season Ends In Disappointment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Inconsistent Play In Conference Finals  Inconsistency is the reason the Celtics lost to the Heat. The team blew two large leads in games one and two. In their two wins, the Celtics dominated in every category.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Even in_ game six, they had a six_ point lead in the fourth quarter, only to let Miami come back and win the game. This was the story throughout the series, Miami wanted it more.                                                                                                                        The Heat got big contributions from Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo/32 points,14 rebounds. Overall, the Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown/26, Jayson Tatum 24/12 rebounds. Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker each poured in 20.

 

The storyline of the series was the Celtics couldn’t hold their leads. Turnovers cost the club penalties, and the Heat’s ability to come back. In all honesty, the Celtics should have won in five games.

 

Turnovers Cost The Celtics  Head coach Brad Stevens had to go to his bench early. Boston Terrible passing cost the Celtics critical turnovers. Right when the team needed a big basket, Miami would pick off a pass. Early foul trouble cost the organization a chance to go to the finals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Boston received significant contributions from Brad Wannamaker and Grant Williams. Williams provided much_ needed muscle under the boards In game six the Celtics had a 20-8 run but saw it collapse. Miami played smarter and won the series.

In Conclusion, The Celtics wrapped up another successful season under Brad Stevens. Going forward the team needs to play smarter in critical moments. They need to stay with what makes them successful instead of unsuccessful.

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Celtics Need To Control The Boards If They Want To Reach The Finals

Since returning from the Pandemic, the Celtics defense has been questionable. Despite a blow out win over Brooklyn and a win over Toronto, the team has struggled in the bubble. If the team gets to the finals,it will be won by defense and rebounding. In this post, we will examine three reasons why the Celtics Need to Control The Boards if they want to reach the finals.                        Celtics Need To Control The Boards If they Want To  Reach The Finals                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Defensive Struggles  Since returning from the pandemic layoff, the defense has been questionable at best. Overall, the club ranks fourth out of all the bubble teams. Before the pandemic, the Celtics were one of the best defensive teams in the league                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               With a 3-2 bubble record, the team struggled severely against Maimi and Milwaukee. The Bucks are much better on the boards than the Celtics. In my opinion, Miami and Milwaukee are the two teams to watch out for.                                                                                                                                                                                                              Better Physically than Last Year.  As a team, the Celtics are much better physically this year than last. Center Robert Williams is earning more minutes. The signing of Enes Kantor has been significant. Rookie Grant Williams has been improving each game. Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis is two of the toughest players in the game. Free _agent Kemba Walker is healthy and is averaging 3.9 boards a game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   For the past couple of years, rebounding has hurt the Celtics in the postseason.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Depth Issues  Outside of the starting five, the Celtics will need contributions from the bench. Semi Ojeleye, Javonte Green, Grant Williams, and Brad Wannamaker need to carry the starters. Center Robert Williams continues to impress, controlling the boards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As any NBA fan knows the defense needs to set the tone. With a 47-23 record, the Celtics are healthy. It’s been twelve years since a banner was raised.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Remaining Games   At 47-23 the Celtics are coming together. Sunday the team beat Orlando in overtime. Gordon Hayward his offensive contributions. Rebounding and defense will be the deciding factors in the next couple of weeks.

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Why The 2020 Celtics Have An Outside Chance To Win Their 18th NBA Title

As the NBA season is about to resume, there are several issues facing the Celtics chances of winning their 18th title. Kemba Walker’s knee seems to have healed and is ready to go. The Celtics will play eight games to finish the season. If all goes well, the Celtics may reach the finals. In this post, we will review three reasons why this year’s team has an outside chance to win their 18th NBA title.

Why The 2020 Celtics Have An Outside Chance To Win Their 18th NBA Title 

Overall Health Of The Team Is Good   Since the league shut down in mid_March the health of the team is excellent. Kemba Walker’s knees are healed. Jayson Tatum is ready to take his career to the next level. If Brad Stevens can guide his team cautiously the Celtics could be interesting down the stretch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Also, the organization needs to keep everyone healthy. If the league makes the season, the club that stays the healthiest is the team that could win it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Team Is Shooting Better As we have seen in the past, the team that wins in  the postseason, is the team that shoots better from the field. For example, this year the club is shooting 363% as a group. The league average is 357%.                                                                                                                                                                                         Depth wise, the Celtics have been getting excellent production from guards Javonte Green, Carson Edwards, and Brad Wannamaker. Marcus Smart has improved tremendously in his outside shooting. Gordon Hayward was playing like Gordon Hayward before the pandemic.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      One Of The Best Defensive Teams In The League  In 2019/20 the Celtics ranked near the top defensively. Guard Marcus Smarts is one of the games best. His physical style of play has helped Boston win a lot of close games.                                                                                                                                                                                    If the Celtics expect to beat Milwaukee, Indiana, or Miami playing tough and physical will be one strategy they have to apply.  Center Robert Williams is maturing and brings muscle to the frontcourt. Center Enes Kanter is one of the team’s most popular players. Overall, the team was one of the leagues best defensive rebounding units.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Surviving The Pandemic With the league set to resume July 30th the overall safety of the players is goal number one. This will be a day to day season. If multiple players and teams start testing positive then expect the season to close.

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Why The Celtics Are Good Enough To Reach The NBA Finals

The 2019/20 Boston Celtics currently sit 4th in the NBA East. With a young roster and speed, the Celtics are good enough to reach the NBA Finals in June. With the additions of Kemba Walker, Enes Kanter, and Vincent Poirier the Celtics are more physical and healthier than last year. In this post, we will review three areas of why the Celtics can reach the Finals this season.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Why The Celtics Are Good Enough To Reach The NBA Finals This Year.                                                                                                                                                                                         Strong Physical Presence   Compared to last season, the Celtics are playing more physical and aggressive. With the addition of Enes Kanter and  Grant Williams, the rebounding department has improved significantly. Williams drafted out of Tennessee gives the team a boost off the bench.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Overall,  Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis average over 7 rebounds per game Center Robert Williams and Grant Williams average over 6.1 off the bench. Williams should be a huge factor come playoff time if he stays healthy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Balanced Scoring  With the addition of Kemba Walker the Celtics are shooting much better from the field this year. Walker is averaging 23 points per game. As a team, the Celtics are putting up 112 points per game 11th overall in the league.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Rookies Carson Edwards, Romeo Langford, Javonte Green, and  Tremont Waters contribute with their speed. Veteran Gordon Hayward has been a big factor when healthy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Guard Marcus Smart shooting has improved tremendously. In a recent game. Smart set a team record for consecutive three throws with twelve. He also had a career_ high of 39 points in a game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Leadership And chemistry  The biggest difference this year, compared to last  is chemistry. There is no in_house fighting amongst teammates. Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris were impatient with the young players. Head coach, Brad Stevens has led the team better. The bench led by Bill Wannamaker is deeper.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The  Second Half  The Celtics need to play tough in order to win. The Bucks have the deepest bench in the league. In two meetings this year the Celtics won one and the Bucks won one. The east will be determined by defense and rebounding.

 

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Unity Best Describes 2019/20 Boston Celtics

What a difference a year makes. A year ago at this time, the Celtics were struggling to find their identity. Now, a year later the Celtics are competing with Philadelphia for first place in the  NBA East. In this post, we will identify three reasons why the Celtics are different this year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Unity Best Describes 2019/20 Boston Celtics                                                                    Depth   The first reason the Celtics are so exciting this year is their bench. Head coach, Brad Stevens has been  going to his bench early in games and resting the starting five.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill Wannamaker, Carson Edwards, Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye, and Robert Edwards spark the bench. Offensively Kemba walker,Jaylen Brown,and Jayson Tatum lead the team in scoring. Injury _riddled Gordon Hayward has returned from a hand injury and has contributed. Guard Marcus Smart continues to play stellar defense and has improved from three_ point land.                                                                                                                                                                                                          Chemistry  Unlike last year, the chemistry of the team has changed dramatically. Kyrie Irving departing for the Nets has benefited the Celtics. The locker room is tranquil and Marcus Smart provides the leadership.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Head coach Brad Stevens does not have Kyrie Irving to deal with every night. Last season the team was in disarray and controlled by controversy. The current roster is a team that play’s like Celtics and not prima donnas.

Second _year center Robert Edwards continues to grow as a player in each game. Rookie Carson Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance off the bench. Edwards has been impressive from the three_ point area plus his defense excellent.

Strong Defensively   One area that the club has shined in is defense. Overall. the club ranks 4th out of 30  in the defensive department. The Celtics have been closing out games much better this year than last season. Veteran Marcus Smart continues to be the best shut down guards in the NBA.                                                                                                                                                                                                 The starting five has been one of the best defensive units in the first half of the season. This year the bench is much more effective than the previous Brad Stens team. Newly acquired Kemba Walker has contributed significantly to his defensive style of play.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The Season Ahead  So far this season the Celtics have been one of the surprises in the NBA. The addition of Kemba Walker and the maturation of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum the team continues to get better. If Gordon Hayward can stay healthy, then this team has a legitimate chance to contend in the East

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Why 2020 Will Be A Make Or Break Year For Celtics Coach Brad Stevens

In six seasons, Celtics coach Brad Stevens has bought the team back to respectability. Playoff wise the Celtics have reached the third round twice losing to Cleveland two years in a row After a turbulent 2018/19, the upcoming season is a key year for Brad Stevens. The team cut loose Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris. Center Al Horford departed for Philadelphia. In this post, we will cover three reasons why 2020 will be a make or break year for the Celtics coach.                                                                                                                                                            2020 Will Be A Breakout  Year For Celtics Coach Brad Stevens                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             A Disgruntled Kyrie In just two short seasons, the club said goodbye to Kyrie Irving. Irving left after a year of frustration and controversy amongst players and coach Brad stevens.  Irving’s new home will be in Brooklyn. The Celtics also lost Marcus Morris and Al Horford. All three players played a significant factor in their tenure, but have no championship to show for it.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Younger Roster;   In the offseason , the club went in a different direction .On draft night, GM Danny Ainge, drafted Romeo Lanford, Indiana, Grant Williams, Tennessee, Tremont Waters LSU, and Carson Edwards Purdue. All had successful college careers and are expected to be on the roster opening night.

Out of the four picks, the interesting pick to watch is Carson Edwards. Known for his three_ point shooting Edwards has been talked about as a possible

starter. Grant Williams brings a physical presence to the team’s front line. Number one pick Romeo Langford is weak at shooting three’s but has a reputation for taking to the hole.

Despite the roster being younger, many fans feel that this movement will set the team back two or three years. If this is the case 2020 will prove how valuable Stevens is to the organization.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Organization Signs Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter   With the departures of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford the club signed ex Hornet Kemba Walker and  Trailblazer Enes Kanter. Kanter will fill the void left by Horford and Walker will be the starting point guard. Walker has a reputation has a great locker room teammate. Kanter provides inside scoring and rebounding. He is expected to split the time with second _year man Robert Williams.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The Future; With a disappointing offseason the Celtics are moving ahead. With an infusion of youth and Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Gordon Hayward fans are optimistic Any hopes of a deep playoff run is slim. If Stevens can develop the young players with the current  roster then Steven’s future with the Celtics is safe.