The Boston Celtics find themselves in an interesting situation. Although they are playoff bound, their recent skid raises questions. Are the Celtics in trouble? Will they go deep in the playoffs? And if so, what would it take? The Celtics are a talented team but they have had their ups and downs. This includes their recent loss against the Toronto Raptors.
On Tuesday, the Celtics loss to the Raptors 118-95. The 23-point loss was their third straight loss and was their worst of the season. At the end of the first quarter, the Celtics led 32-30. Then the Raptors went on an 18-0 run and gained a large lead. The Celtics had eight turnovers in the second quarter and only had four baskets. The Raptors never looked back.
Prior to their game against the Portland Trailblazers, the Celtics lost five of their last seven games. After the game, Celtics guard Marcus Smart discussed the cause of the Celtics’ issues.
“Nobody is together,” Smart said on Tuesday night. “We’ve got to have everybody on the same page doing the same things at the same time.”
Smart went on to say the issue is something the Celtics must continue to work at and figure out.
“We’re just not together. Plain and simple. That’s it. Because if we were together, that wouldn’t happen. We’re all talking and linking up, but like I said, it’s something we’re going through, and it’s something we’re going to have to continue to work at and figure it out.”
Kyrie Irving responded to Smart’s comments with few words.
Kyrie Irving responds to Marcus Smart’s ‘We’re just not together’ comments | NBA on ESPN
“That’s Marcus’ opinion,” Irving said. “I respect it.”
Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart are trying to figure it out for the Celtics. (Image Courtesy of Associated Press)
The Celtics faced a tough loss against the Raptors, but if the Celtics work together, they can overcome their struggles.
At the start of the season, the Celtics were arguably the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Last year, the Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference. They also reached the Conference Finals after an impressive playoff run. They reached the Conference Finals without their star players Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in that series, but they proved that they are a threat. This season is a bit different, as it has been full of ups and downs.
As of right now, the Celtics are fifth in the Eastern Conference at 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers, who are currently fourth in the East. The Celtics are a talented team, but they are going through struggles.
For the Celtics, their playoff seeding is not a problem. Their biggest problem is their chemistry. If the Celtics can come together and play as a team, they can go deep in the playoffs. But, it is ultimately up to them.
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