Celts Can't Dip The Nuggets! Loss vs DEN 1/19

[Jaqua92]

Jokic and Murray shot way beyond their %’s.

Tatum and Brown shot way under their %’s.

That’s the game right there. One time. Relax guys.

Go and look at the %’s. We lost by 2.

2.

Jokic and Murray looked like this all playoffs. And the rest of their team shot way below averages too.

It's foolish to think Murray and Jokic can't produce close to this every night. We can beat them, but if we aren't our best and most disciplined, we can't.

[zoyathedestroya]

Adding to the "positives" -- Celtics didn't turn the ball over in crunch time! Not once! PROGRESS! Tatum also didn't settle for his pullup three in the clutch. Went 1/5 on drives and midrangers though.

Dunno what adjustments Denver made, but after Q1, KP was mostly silenced. Two points the entire second half.

[GrandTheftRondo]

This game made it clear that KP is not a good defender against elite big men.

From what I saw this season, KP is no match for Giannis, Embiid, and now Jokic.

Cs need Al to defend those 3 bigs.

Not a surprise considering KP was never known for being a great defender.

Brad should really consider acquiring another big man in case Horford gets hurt in the playoffs.

KP is just not good enough on defense against the elite bigs.

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

[Fierce1]

This game made it clear that KP is not a good defender against elite big men.

From what I saw this season, KP is no match for Giannis, Embiid, and now Jokic.

Cs need Al to defend those 3 bigs.

Not a surprise considering KP was never known for being a great defender.

Brad should really consider acquiring another big man in case Horford gets hurt in the playoffs.

KP is just not good enough on defense against the elite bigs.

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

Yeah, I agree, KP is not strong enough.

The good news is Brad Stevens is in charge, not Danny Ainge.

Brad will find a way.

This game clearly showed KP's weakness on defense.

And it's not just Jokic, KP also struggled against Giannis and Embiid.

Will Brad be able to pull it off?

We'll know in 3 weeks.

[GrandTheftRondo]

This game made it clear that KP is not a good defender against elite big men.

From what I saw this season, KP is no match for Giannis, Embiid, and now Jokic.

Cs need Al to defend those 3 bigs.

Not a surprise considering KP was never known for being a great defender.

Brad should really consider acquiring another big man in case Horford gets hurt in the playoffs.

KP is just not good enough on defense against the elite bigs.

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

Yeah, I agree, KP is not strong enough.

The good news is Brad Stevens is in charge, not Danny Ainge.

Brad will find a way.

This game clearly showed KP's weakness on defense.

And it's not just Jokic, KP also struggled against Giannis and Embiid.

Will Brad be able to pull it off?

We'll know in 3 weeks.

It was the same with Rob.

It’s not about whether Brad is able to acquire players it’s more that I don’t think there’s some guy out there. Brad hasn’t kept Kornet around because he thinks he’s some amazing player. There simply is enough cash to get a better replacement.

Jokic is at a peak LeBron like point in his career where he just plays at his own pace, isn’t bothered by anyone and always makes the right play.

Giannis and Embiid you just have to throw bodies at them and hope they get rattled.

[BK_2020]

This game made it clear that KP is not a good defender against elite big men.

From what I saw this season, KP is no match for Giannis, Embiid, and now Jokic.

Cs need Al to defend those 3 bigs.

Not a surprise considering KP was never known for being a great defender.

Brad should really consider acquiring another big man in case Horford gets hurt in the playoffs.

KP is just not good enough on defense against the elite bigs.

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

Yeah, I agree, KP is not strong enough.

The good news is Brad Stevens is in charge, not Danny Ainge.

Brad will find a way.

This game clearly showed KP's weakness on defense.

And it's not just Jokic, KP also struggled against Giannis and Embiid.

Will Brad be able to pull it off?

We'll know in 3 weeks.

I mean Jokic put up 25-12-9 against Myles Turner on 92% shooting. Now Myles Turner is a pretty good defender even if he's got flaws.

[Fierce1]

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

Yeah, I agree, KP is not strong enough.

The good news is Brad Stevens is in charge, not Danny Ainge.

Brad will find a way.

This game clearly showed KP's weakness on defense.

And it's not just Jokic, KP also struggled against Giannis and Embiid.

Will Brad be able to pull it off?

We'll know in 3 weeks.

It was the same with Rob.

It’s not about whether Brad is able to acquire players it’s more that I don’t think there’s some guy out there.

Jokic is at a peak LeBron like point in his career where he just plays at his own pace, isn’t bothered by anyone and always makes the right play.

Giannis and Embiid you just have to throw bodies at them and hope they get rattled.

Yeah, I don't think there's an ideal guy out there.

But someone better than Kornet will be good enough.

Cs can't go into the playoffs relying on Kornet if Al gets injured.

[Fierce1]

His post defence has always been a knock on him. He’s not strong enough.

It is what it is.

I don’t see how this team can realistically acquire a useful big.

Yeah, I agree, KP is not strong enough.

The good news is Brad Stevens is in charge, not Danny Ainge.

Brad will find a way.

This game clearly showed KP's weakness on defense.

And it's not just Jokic, KP also struggled against Giannis and Embiid.

Will Brad be able to pull it off?

We'll know in 3 weeks.

I mean Jokic put up 25-12-9 against Myles Turner on 92% shooting. Now Myles Turner is a pretty good defender even if he's got flaws.

Basically what I'm saying is the Cs can't go into the playoffs knowing Kornet will be Al's replacement if Al gets hurt.

Someone better than Kornet is good enough.

[Green89]

"Clutch" losses (8) to DEN, GSW, OKC, MIN, PHI, IND (2x), CHA
"Clutch" wins (13) vs. MIN, MEM, TOR (3x), NYK, PHI (2x), DET, MIL, CLE (2x), MIA

I'm very curious to know how many shot attempts KP and White had in these close games, especially compared to the Jays.

[GrandTheftRondo]

"Clutch" losses (8) to DEN, GSW, OKC, MIN, PHI, IND (2x), CHA
"Clutch" wins (13) vs. MIN, MEM, TOR (3x), NYK, PHI (2x), DET, MIL, CLE (2x), MIA

I'm very curious to know how many shot attempts KP and White had in these close games, especially compared to the Jays.

white not checking back into until 6 mins left and then not getting any shots at all late was just absurd after his third quarter.

[snowman]

I'm not going to start screaming the Celtics are a terrible team, they still have the best record in the league. HOWEVER, it is way past time to throwing off the blame for let downs on being a young team, or Joe being a new coach. Celtics need to do a few simple things to be an elite team.

1) If the three ball is not falling, then drive the hoop and see a few baskets go in before trying anymore threes. The Jays are two of the best at getting downhill, use it to get going. Jays going 2-17 is unacceptable when you have White and Porzingis going 8-17 on the same night. This is totality on the Jays.

2) JT does not need to be the only one to take the end of game shots. Try using him as a decoy and use his size and passing ability to hit the open player. This is on Joe.

3) Stop thinking JB is the best defender on the team. JB constantly gets burned by smaller, quicker guards, like he did with Murry last night. If he gets switched on them, so be it, but we have two great defensive guards to put on these type of players. Use them. There should have been NO reason to have JB on Murry and White on a 6'10 Porter Jr. JB should have been primary on Porter or Gorden. with White or Holliday on Murry. This is on Joe.

4) Can someone please get an assistant coach to work with JB on his left hand and his free throw shooting. JB is fifth worse on the team in FT shooting ahead only Brissett, Svi, Walsh and Petterson. and Walsh and Petterson have yet to take a FT for the club. 72% for someone making what JB makes is unacceptable. All four of our big men, including Queta, are better than JB at FT shooting. This is on JB.

[zoyathedestroya]

"Clutch" losses (8) to DEN, GSW, OKC, MIN, PHI, IND (2x), CHA
"Clutch" wins (13) vs. MIN, MEM, TOR (3x), NYK, PHI (2x), DET, MIL, CLE (2x), MIA

I'm very curious to know how many shot attempts KP and White had in these close games, especially compared to the Jays.

Clutch FGAs in Ws:
JB + JT: 2.6 (2.1 by JT)
KP + DW: 2.7

Clutch FGAs in Ls:
JB + JT: 5.3
KP + DW: 2.1

Only JB has yet to miss a clutch loss. Only White and Jrue have yet to miss a clutch win.

[Green89]

"Clutch" losses (8) to DEN, GSW, OKC, MIN, PHI, IND (2x), CHA
"Clutch" wins (13) vs. MIN, MEM, TOR (3x), NYK, PHI (2x), DET, MIL, CLE (2x), MIA

I'm very curious to know how many shot attempts KP and White had in these close games, especially compared to the Jays.

white not checking back into until 6 mins left and then not getting any shots at all late was just absurd after his third quarter.

Baby steps for Joe. He finally is closing games with him (unlike last year), and now the next step is getting looks for him late.

[fallguy]

Jokic and Murray shot way beyond their %’s.

Tatum and Brown shot way under their %’s.

That’s the game right there. One time. Relax guys.

Go and look at the %’s. We lost by 2.

2.

What's the old joke about only needing to watch the last two minutes of a basketball game? I don't recall it exactly, but point being, most games are basically just messing about until you get to crunch time, when coaching, execution, and BBIQ become paramount and the men are separated from the boys.

What I am trying to say here is that Joe Mazzulla is a below average coach and will probably be the reason we don't win a title... again. That is, if Jaylen doesn't beat him to it... again.

We are coming out of timeouts again and again with the game on the line without even the foggiest notion of doing anything but getting Tatum the ball and letting him go iso. Zero creativity, no wrinkles, easily defended. Clear as day, over and over.

If and when it costs us dearly again in these playoffs, I'm saying to go get Kerr and then trade Jaylen and every last pick and swap we have for Curry.

That is all.

Not sure if you've been lurking but the bolded is basically the theme of the board this season. I think we're all excited about Jaylen's progress the last six weeks but I think he will ultimately dissolve under pressure. And Joe remains a bystander in high leverage moments.

[Green89]

"Clutch" losses (8) to DEN, GSW, OKC, MIN, PHI, IND (2x), CHA
"Clutch" wins (13) vs. MIN, MEM, TOR (3x), NYK, PHI (2x), DET, MIL, CLE (2x), MIA

I'm very curious to know how many shot attempts KP and White had in these close games, especially compared to the Jays.

Clutch FGAs in Ws:
JB + JT: 2.6 (2.1 by JT)
KP + DW: 2.7

Clutch FGAs in Ls:
JB + JT: 5.3
KP + DW: 2.1

There you have it, proof positive that we have a better chance to win when the defense isn't aware that it's mostly going to be the Jays down the stretch. Also proof that KP and White are capable finishers.

[fallguy]

I would bet my life that Joe liked the shots we got.

I am correct. Joe liked the shots.

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Except where he says they should have gone to KP in the post more.

If only they had a coach who could have made that happen!

[fallguy]

Off-balance, fading away? Going away from the rim? With no chance at an offensive rebound and putback with almost no time on the clock after the shot? Disagree.

I don't think Tatum was off balance. Unless you mean to say Tatum didn't start his shooting motion square to the basket but no team is going to let you get an open practice jumper in a 2 point game with 5 seconds left. A fadeaway middie against KCP (who didn't even challenge) is a good shot in that context.
The shot went up at 2.9 mark and missed with 1.5 left. That's enough time for a putback. The fact that we didn't get the offensive rebound doesn't mean there was no time.
Even in the highlight video these ATO plays succeed about half the time. These videos aren't even including plays that get blown up from the start. Even regular halfcourt sets score about half the time. It's not realistic to expect a play to exist that can get a bucket at a much higher rate in a much worse context.
Also our original ATO play created two good opportunities for Tatum. KP just couldn't capitalize on the passing windows.

Of course he was off balance.

I know you love the ISOs and never think anything else is possible in these moments but come on.

[fallguy]

The out of timeout stuff is infuriating. Either Mazzulla draws up junk which gets blown up easily or the players lose their cool under pressure and do their own thing.

Doc and Brad used to draw up all sorts of crazy stuff which the defence didnt expect.

Somehow nearly every late game out of timeout play seems to end in some nothing play where Tatum shoots a contested mid range shot

Yeah, it's true. Doc could really draw up ATO plays even if he had other deficiencies.

[Fierce1]

A major change like that doesn't happen overnight.

That's why the highest chance of the Cs winning a chip is next season.

Right now the Cs are still falling back to old habits.

Only time can cure these flaws.

Hopefully the next 3 months will be enough time because the Cs are still good enough to win it all this season.

[fallguy]

Reality is the Celtics are what they are against elite teams and I don’t see it changing.

Since Kyrie’s departure we haven’t had someone you can just throw the ball to and ask to get a bucket. Tatum has moments but gets clamped far too often.

That’s what separates Tatum from someone like Durant who you can toss the ball to and know he will get to the mid range and shoot a jumper with ease. Tatum is always doing different stuff and he really isn’t a master of any particular thing.

Brown is similar but even worse because he lacks a sufficient enough basketball IQ to give up the ball when necessary and when he should be attacking.

Jrue is like Smart. Can score and make good plays but he’s not a savvy floor general. The Chris Paul of 3-4 years ago would be perfect with the Js.

If we are going to win a title it’s simply going to come down to us shooting very well and building sufficient leads to survive the inevitable droughts. Otherwise if games are close we are just going to be falling over the line and winning with dumb luck.

We don’t execute well enough to win any other way.

Denver could walk down the court, pass to Nikola and let him cook or they could run a pick and roll with Murray, easy as you like. That’s the difference. We don’t have that easy offence.

I also do not agree with Derrick White being frozen out so much late in games. Why not run a pick and roll with him and Tatum or him and Porzingis? Yes he’s not as skilled offensively as Tatum but at least he knows how to get to his spots or make the right play in key moments.

Zach Lowe just mentioned that this is their single best action. Which is why Joe never goes to it in the clutch lol.