Boston Celtics Fall to Cleveland 102-95 10 Things

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Boston Celtics fall to Cleveland Cavaliers 102-95: Starters struggle, Jaylen Brown shines plus 10 things we learned
By Tom Westerholm | twesterh@masslive.com | Posted October 02, 2018 at 10:44 PM
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1. Jaylen Brown attacked the basket well.
Charles Krupa/AP Photo
1. Jaylen Brown attacked the basket well.
Like everyone else in the first half, Jaylen Brown was way off from deep, but he continued to show improvement as a ball-handler -- getting to the basket and scoring around the rim. Brown's 10 points on 5-for-9 shooting were a mild bright spot in an otherwise abysmal first half.



NBA

@NBA
Al Horford picks out the cutting Jaylen Brown! #NBAPreseason

(continued)

Considerably more on this tomorrow, but as Brown's handle tightens up, he will become even more of a threat. He's already nearly a 40-percent 3-point shooter, and his finishing has taken enormous steps. He told MassLive on Monday that the game gets slower and slower for him every game, and that much appears evident. He could have a big year.

2. Kevin Love looks good as a top option again.

In case you forgot, Kevin Love was a monster in Minnesota, and in his return to a top-option role, he looked really good. The Cavaliers ran a lot of offense through Love in spots where he is particularly comfortable (spots that were often occupied by LeBron James last season), and Love took advantage -- scoring 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting in 17 minutes.

The Cavaliers probably won't be a threat to the Celtics (the first half won't instill a lot of confidence, but -- again -- it's preseason), and it's obviously too early to make any real proclamations, but Love might be enough to keep the Cavaliers competitive and maybe even in the hunt for a playoff spot, assuming Cleveland hangs on to him for the season.

3. Al Horford remains a major mismatch against the Cavs.

One thing Kevin Love can't do is defend Al Horford, and the Celtics took advantage of that immediately, forcing a switch and getting Horford an isolation basket.
From there, Boston's offense essentially melted into a puddle and seeped into the ice below the TD Garden floor, so it's tough to say anything with much certainty. The Celtics' starters' first half was truly ugly.

But Horford's ability to do a little bit of everything on the offensive end continues to serve him well against opposing bigs, and his defense will still be good (obviously). Horford's contributions are going to be more of the same, which has to be comforting for the Celtics.

4. Is it time to worry about the Celtics' offense?

No.

Are we sure?
Yes.

When is it time to start worrying?

It's unclear, but waiting until the actual season is probably appropriate. The Celtics are going to make threes eventually.

5. Collin Sexton (the Brooklyn pick) looked solid.

Aside from Love, the most interesting player from a Cleveland perspective was rookie Collin Sexton -- the player acquired via the Brooklyn pick Boston dealt for Kyrie Irving. Sexton finished with 12 points and went 2-for-3 from behind the arc. His defense was enthusiastic (perhaps a little overly so), and he was competitive and competent in his first NBA minutes.

Sexton isn't Kyrie, of course, and he isn't expected to be. But he could be a nice piece for Cleveland as the Cavaliers try to jumpstart some sort of rebuild.

6. Gordon Hayward had perhaps his best game so far.

There's still a lot of rust, and he still certainly appears to be working through confidence issues, but Gordon Hayward is getting better.

On Tuesday, he played an extended stretch as the star and ball-handler with the second unit. The unit struggled, but Hayward looked like he was moving pretty well -- cutting, driving with confidence and working his way to the free-throw line. Finishing around the rim is still a work in progress, and his shot is far from 100 percent, but the progress is promising.

7. Your nightly Robert Williams update

He didn't play much.

Williams remains incredibly enthusiastic and athletic, and he shows flashes as a pick-and-roll finisher and rim protector. But he's prone to mistakes on both ends and got a quick hook in the fourth quarter before returning to contribute some more of the same.

Still, Williams can certainly throw it down!

8. Guerschon Yabusele has looked like an NBA player.

There have been times during Yabusele's brief career to date when it was a little unclear what he does at the NBA level, but the answer is starting to clear up a little bit in the preseason. Like so many players on Boston's roster, Yabusele is something of a Swiss Army Knife -- a big body who can handle a bit for his size, pass and post up against smaller players.

Whether that's enough to get him regular-season minutes remains to be seen, but Brad Stevens told reporters he plans to try on Monday.

"I think Guerschon’s ability to play at the 5 but also move his feet at the 4 may allow us to do some things against smaller lineups," Stevens said. "And we might be giving up a little bit on the defensive end but his ability to post and rebound and do all those things, I think are pretty important."

9. The Celtics can be really bad when they don't try hard.

Last year's Celtics team made their name as a scrappy group who played ahead of their skill level. This year's team has a ton of talent, but they will
Again: It's preseason, and the Celtics clearly had a hard time getting wound up for their third contest (which also was their second in two days).
But even good teams can see their effort slip, and when they do, the results can be ugly.

10. It's pretty obvious why the Celtics like Brad Wanamaker

Wanamaker should be able to give the Celtics real minutes this season, particularly if injuries hamper the team at all. He's a rugged defender, and his playmaking already looks competent at the NBA level.

Bringing in well-developed role players on cheap contracts is quietly becoming one of the best things the Celtics do.

The above article, posted by mulcogiseng, has lots of videos that don't translate with cut-and-paste. Use the link to see the videos and pictures.

In regards to Question 4, I will wait for one more game before hitting the panic button on the offense.

In regards to Question 9, the lack of effort on defense lead to to many easy buckets. Again, I will wait one more game in order to see if these Celtic players take this process seriously.

So far, we have played the always terrible Charlotte Bobcats to a draw over two games and we have to win the last pre-season game to do the same with the post-LeBron Cavaliers. Not exactly the meat of the league.

It was a pre-season game, so Brad was playing "All hands on deck". Our trump suit didn't play out so well, but our long suit almost brought it back to respectable. Lets hope we get a little more effort next game as well as a little less three point shots. It is all about effort on both ends of the court!

gyso

RE: "7. Your nightly Robert Williams update

He didn't play much.

Williams remains incredibly enthusiastic and athletic, and he shows flashes as a pick-and-roll finisher and rim protector. But he's prone to mistakes on both ends and got a quick hook in the fourth quarter before returning to contribute some more of the same.

Still, Williams can certainly throw it down!"

This writer must have watched a different game than I did. Williams was moving, blocking shots, intimidating around the rim, dunking, rebounding. Other than Jaylen, I was most impressed by Williams and the promise his on court performance portended. He will be a huge addition to our lineup for years to come.

Also, Aron Baynes played well, despite being repeatedly called Eric Baynes by Marv Albert.

Williams looks closer to 6’11” than 6’9” thankfully, he was definitely taller than Biyombo....

Smart changed the game. He appears to be a bit slimmer and quicker.

The Celts offense is in a funk. However Brad has yet to coach a simulated games with rotations that will be in the mix during the season.

Gordon was more agressive but still looks pretty stiff out there. It is going to take some time for him to get in the flow.

Will Semi make an open look?

The rookie Williams was credited with 1 block but I counted at least 2. He may make the active roster. His defense looks pretty damn good.

The Celtics have one more warm up game and then a few practices.

I expect them to ramp things up.

Defense wins games. The offense will come.

Disappointed in the lack of effort put out last night. Jason Tatum looked like a rookie for a while. Seemed to disappear at times. Jaylen is ready, period. So Kyrie got the night off, he is ready, no doubt about that. Al got his night off, does that mean Gordon is out on Saturday?
I hope not, he needs all the work he can get to adjust to this team and the way they play, who is good where, who to look for for picks, and finishing at the rim. That being said, he had a couple of really nice passes last night that lead to baskets. His vision on the floor is tremendous. Could we see him on the bench for the start of the season? I wonder.....

But most of all, it was just effort that was lacking, at both ends of the court. One and done at the offensive end, and NO defense at the other end of the court. They made the Cavs look like superstars. This is disappointing knowing how hard they had worked in the off season

You claim you are the best in the east guys, SHOW US WHY YOU THINK THAT. I believe you can be the best, infact that is all I have said all summer, make my words come true!!!!

Rosalie

Good assessment.

I totally agree that Hayward needs to play all of the pre-season games.

The 2nd unit played with energy on D but other than Smart and Morris there was not enough offense in the rotation to come all the way back.

I thought Yabu played with a lot of energy.  Concerned that Semi has been getting wide open looks and is struggling to make shots.

Tatum has also been a tick off on his shots.

Maybe they need to put away all the press clippings and get back to work.  Brown looks like he has improved as a ball handler.  Terry does not turn the ball over much.  

The guy I have my eye on is Williams.  He can rebound in traffic and I love how he rotates as a help defender challenging shots.

This is going to be a fun year.  It will not be as easy as one might think.  The East still has a lot of talented teams.

Dboss, Williams is still being labeled as an air head by alot of these reporters around here. Good God, were you ever 19 years old and made a couple of big mistakes????? They won't let this kid just play. I think this kid could have been a steal. He can fly, he is quick, and he can block shots. Granted it has been against other teams sub's too. But give him some time, he has alot to learn, but I think Brad realizes he has a diamond in the rough here. We can only hope.

You are right, this is going to be fun, just have to have a little patience. I am not good at that!!!!

Rosalie

"His vision on the floor is tremendous. " So true Rosalie. Gordon will be worth his paycheck by January. He just needs to play, play, play.

Williams too. He is a gem. Just needs polishing which comes with work, experience, and coaching. He has all the intensity a coach can ask for. A real find.,

I haven't had a chance to watch much of the pre-season, but looking at that box suggests we are living and dying by the 3 so far. First game, a loss against Charlotte, we shot 9-47 (19.1%); second game, a win, we shot 13-39 (41.9%); and third game, another loss, we shot 5-31 (16.1%). That averages out to ~ 36 three-point attempts/game, at an approximately 25% clip. Last season we averaged around 30/game, at an approximately 38% clip. Those numbers put us at 5th in terms of percentage, and 10th in attempts. My question to those who have watched closely - are we just missing our 3's so far, are are we taking worse shots? The increase in attempts coupled with the poorer percentage suggests we might be taking worse shots, but the sample size is just too small too draw any meaningful conclusions. So, what did your eyes tell you?

Rock

Guys are just missing. No big deal at this point but their defense has been lackluster.

Smart really looked good at both ends.

This team made their bones by getting stops. That is what they need to get back to. Terry looks very seasoned.

dboss wrote:Rock

Guys are just missing.  No big deal at this point but their defense has been lackluster.

Smart really looked good at both ends.

This team made their bones by getting stops.  That is what they need to get back to.  Terry looks very seasoned.

Thanks Dboss, good to hear. Seems like the 3 point shot not only has a lower average percentage, but also a greater variation; I am sure that stat is out there somewhere. Occasionally teams will have stinkers, and occasionally 2 stinkers will occur close together. Can't wait for the regular season!!

The pre season means nothing, which is good - as the Celtics have accomplished nothing in the pre season to this point, aside from getting Hayward some exercise.

The only thing that really stands out to me in Semi and how bad he looks shooting the ball. I am not sure this guy will make it long term, seems like such a waste to be such a great athlete and not be able to put it together. But if you cannot shoot a lick, you cannot play basketball in the NBA. Time will tell I guess.

mrkleen09 wrote:The pre season means nothing, which is good - as the Celtics have accomplished nothing in the pre season to this point, aside from getting Hayward some exercise.

The only thing that really stands out to me in Semi and how bad he looks shooting the ball.  I am not sure this guy will make it long term, seems like such a waste to be such a great athlete and not be able to put it together.  But if you cannot shoot a lick, you cannot play basketball in the NBA.  Time will tell I guess.

+1

To even care about outcome in these games is ridiculous. They count for nothing aside from an end of the bench player trying to move up in the pecking order.

I just want us all to be healthy come playoff time.

Aside from getting home court advantage even the regular season means just getter completely ready for the post season.  

Panic. OMG. It’s early October.

beat

Nothing much of a surprise so far. Final scores are meaningless at this point.

Williams looks like he's going to be a contributor; as expected.

Hayward looks like it's too soon to say...; as expected.

Effort seems a little soft overall. Somewhat of a surprise, but I'm sure that will change significantly.

I haven't seen anything to dim my high expectations and enthusiasm for the coming season.

While the preseason counts for nothing it does help in establishing what the team wants to do.

The Celtics have not looked good but it is important to understand that the regular season is what counts.

Coach Stevens has to nail down rotations after the top 9.   Guys like Theis, Semi, Wananaker and Williams are the guys that can make this team layers deep.

Has anyone noticed that Brad has played Irving and Rozier together?

I would like to see our rotation players 9-13 play alongside 3 starters.  I think rotation players perform best when they are incorporated with better players.

Brad has a lot to work with.  He will figure things out and all we need to do as fans is watch the games.