We opened up the mailbag in the latest Locked On Celtics episode. Here’s a look at some of what we covered.
Winning Ugly: The Art of the Grind in Basketball
When it comes to basketball, not every victory is a masterpiece. Sometimes, winning ugly is part of the game, and that’s perfectly fine. As a fan, I get it. We all want to see our team dominate with style, but the reality is that not every game will be a highlight reel. Last season, the Boston Celtics racked up 64 wins, and not all of them were pretty. It’s easy to forget those gritty games when looking back at the season’s success. The Celtics definitely need to win some of these ugly games, and they’ll be better for it, but that doesn’t cover what happened versus the Hawks this week.
Respecting the Game and the Opponent
One thing that really grinds my gears is when a team doesn’t show respect for their opponents. It’s not just about playing well; it’s about playing with integrity. If a team comes out and disrespects the game by not giving their all, they deserve to lose. It’s a lesson that should sting, and hopefully, it pushes them to do better next time. I would rather lose by 50 points to a superior opponent than watch them fool around and win by a slim margin. A loss can be a wake-up call, a reminder that there’s always room for improvement. Hopefully that’s something that stuck with them after they admittedly took Atlanta too lightly.
Neemias Queta: A Work in Progress
Neemias Queta has been a hot topic among Celtics fans, and for good reason. While he’s shown promise, there’s still a lot of work to be done. His hands, which were compared to oven mitts, need improvement for him to become a more reliable presence on the court. Queta’s performance has exceeded initial low expectations, which has garnered him some attention. However, it’s crucial to remember that he’s still developing. His ability to keep the ball high and finish plays efficiently is an area where he can grow. With consistent practice and focus, Queta can refine his skills and become a more integral part of the team.
The Cleveland Cavaliers: A Contender in the Making?
Switching gears to the Cleveland Cavaliers, there’s a lot of buzz about whether they’re legitimate contenders this season. They’ve had a strong start, and it’s reminiscent of where the Celtics were last year. The Cavs have a lot to prove, especially after a disappointing playoff exit. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland working to find their rhythm, and Evan Mobley stepping up, they’re a team on a mission. The question is, can they maintain this momentum throughout the season? If they can avoid long losing streaks, they might just be a real threat in the playoffs.
For more insights and a deeper dive into these topics, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- The strongest player on the Celtics roster
- Strategies to avoid load management issues
