The Celtics are in trouble
The Celtics are in big trouble. They are soft as shit. The loss to the Pacers was a blueprint for how to beat the Celtics. It’s frankly not that hard. Just make them uncomfortable. They will inevitably be in every series when the payoffs come and win the early rounds, but as soon as the shots start dropping and/or someone pushes them around a bit they crumble. Please see the Heat series last year. This Pacers game was just a pre cursor.
The Celtics got up by 9 in the 2nd quarter through dominance in the offensive end and their one on one matchups. Then came out in the 3rd quarter like the game was already won and the Pacers were just supposed to go away. Instead of imposing their will on defense. Slowing the game down. Taking advantage of matchups on offense. They got into a run and gun show down with the best offense in the league. Playing right into their hands. The coach has zero in game feel or balls. The players completely lose their minds in pressure situations. And that was a pressure situation. It was absolutely playoff energy basketball. That place was going nuts and the Pacers players were out to prove something. Not the Celtics. Just run through the motions. We’re too good to lose. How the fuck does this team not get it yet?! And wasn’t Jrue Holiday brought in here to change that?
They have so much damn talent it may not matter. If they get hot enough in the ECF and Finals with everyone healthy they can still win a best of 7, but betting on that has not worked out great the last few season. Please see 2023 ECF vs the Heat for all the evidence you need.
It’s the worst quality to have. Or lack. However you want to slice it. When the chips are down or the pressure mounts up, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics wilt. It’s gross. Learning how to win is very hard, but these guys have been at it for awhile. And it’s clear they care and want to win, so sack up. There as no more excuses.