The UNDERLYING ISSUE That Could SHATTER The Celtics Dream

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The Celtics managed to lose a game in which they shot a blistering hot 59% from the field, had a plus 10 rebounds advantage, 5 more made free throws, and plus 24 in points in the paint. All of this was against a Philly team playing without Joel Embiid.
How in the world did this happen? Well, there are reasons that go deeper than the Xs and Os.
The Celtics have a serious problem that they must fix if they want to compete for a championship. Let me explain.
59% from the field is amazing, but Boston allowed almost 51% from the Sixers which is how they were in it the entire game.
And this has been the case for the Celtics so far in the playoffs. A stellar defense that ranked number 2, near the top in the regular season, now dropped to the bottom of the list.
As James Harden dissected them time after time, there was no adjustment to try and blitz him, double team, and take the ball out of his hands.
Philly got him going with the high pick and from there Harden got deep and close to the basket for this baby jumper that goes in. And this happened multiple times, on his way to 45 points.
Sure he made some tough shots as well, but that’s what happens when you allow a great player to get hot and the confidence is through the roof.
And look at this. Maxey casually walks into a wide open three point look after a made basket.
Inexcusable defensive breakdown caused by a lack of effort.
This is also how they lost 2 games against Atlanta, a series that we all thought should be a sweep.
Another reason for the Sixers win was the fact that they forced 10 more turnovers from Boston.
And when you look at some of these, it’s lackadaisical effort, and sloppy mistakes that have absolutely no place happening in a second round of a playoff game.
All of that of course culminating with this inexplicable pass from Brogdon in the clutch right in the hands of Maxey for his easiest points of the night and taking the lead which ultimately led to the win.
When asked about the turnovers Mazzula himself took part of the blame saying that he should draw better plays and get them in actions earlier.
But that’s not the real issue. The real issue is the lack of focus, discipline and attention from the players in their execution. Both on offense and defense.
This is how you end up with 16 turnovers and 51% opponent field goal percentage. Without their main player.
Boston does not look like a championship level team at the moment. Even tho the path to the finals literally cleared up for them with the Bucks elimination and the Joel Embiid injury- now when they should put the pedal to the metal and go all out, the Celtics are unrecognizable.
1 game is bad defense, the other it’s the turnovers, then another it’s poor shot selection.
Overall the focus is not there. The focus that’s absolutely crucial to winning the championship.
Against Atlanta they got away purely on the difference in raw talent, but now, after losing game 1 at home Boston will need to buckle up and get serious especially if Embiid comes back soon.
Do the Celtics have what it takes to win the title? Will they even get to the finals? Let me know in the comments. Talk to you in the next one. Peace out.