The Celtics have a hustle problem
The Celtics gave up 67 points to the Hornets in the first half. This is a trend. I noticed it in game 1 vs the Knicks, but when you shoot and make 10,000 3’s and blow out your #1 competition by 30 these things tend to get lost. But, the fact is the Celtics defense is not great right now and a lot of it is just hustle.
A team that is consistently a top 5 defense ranks 13th in Def rating. They are giving up the 13th most points per game at 112. Teams are shooting 47% against them good for 8th worst in the league. They are 14th in defensive rebounds and 16th in turnovers created.
Their on ball defense which should be an advantage against most if not all teams have been gross. Blow by freaking central from the perimeter. With no Porzingus and in game with Horford on the bench they have very little rim protection. We see both deficiencies front in center when ever teams run a high pick and roll against the Celtics. Mazzula refuses to bring help from the back side because he is clinically obsessed with 3 pointers. To give up an open 3 pointer in stead of an open lay up just is not part of the Joe Mazzula Chaos Theory experience.
Another Mazzula-ism that drive me nuts is leaving guys like Xavier Tillman on an island in the switch. This happens to Horford a lot too. For what feels like countless possessions in a row Celtics big men are isolated against ball handlers and get their lunch handed to them with no adjustment from Psycho Joe.
It’s early. Coming off a championship generally involves a hang over. The Celtics have avoided taking the L’s because offensively they are dominant. They have plenty of time to pick up the intensity on the defensive side of the ball. I’m sure they will. They’re going to have to if they have real aspirations of defending the title.
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