The Boston Celtics are in a bit of a funk, going 8-8 in their last 16 games. But is it time to panic? Not quite. Let’s break down what’s really going on with this team.
First off, we’ve seen this before. Remember when the Celtics started 25-25 under Ime Udoka and still made it to the NBA Finals? History has a way of repeating itself, and this team has shown they can turn things around.
But let’s get into the nitty-gritty. What’s causing these losses? It’s not just one thing. We’ve seen a variety of issues: Jrue Holiday’s brain freeze against Atlanta, a second-half collapse against Toronto, shooting woes against Sacramento, and defensive lapses against Philadelphia. The list goes on.
The common thread? Shooting. When the Celtics lose, it’s often because they can’t hit the broad side of a barn. In their recent losses, they’ve shot below 30% from three in most games. That’s a far cry from their usual sharpshooting selves.
Here’s the kicker: their defense isn’t even that bad in these losses. It’s the offense that’s cratering. We’re talking a drop from a 129.1 offensive rating in wins to a measly 105.5 in losses. That’s a massive swing.
Interestingly, they’re actually playing at a faster pace in their losses. You’d think a faster pace would lead to more buckets, but for the Celtics, it’s the opposite. They’re at their best in the half-court, running their sets and letting guys like Jayson Tatum work their magic in isolation.
So what’s the solution? It’s simple, but not easy: they need to hit shots. They need to run the offense better, move the ball more, and trust the system that won them a championship last year. It’s not about changing their style or firing the coach. It’s about execution and focus.
The good news? Nothing’s broken. They just need to do what they know works. It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s fixable. And remember, it’s only January. There’s plenty of time to right the ship before the playoffs roll around.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ recent struggles, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
