Post Game Thread - vs Pelicans, Away 1/26/20

[bobheckler]

Yesterday was an awful day for basketball, we all know why.  The world was in shock with the news of Kobe's unexpected and untimely death.  The difference between the Celtics and the Pelicans, in the first half, is that they went out and played like Kobe would have wanted them to play.  We played like we were in mourning.  There are 3 former Lakers on the Pels.  I seem to remember Mike Gorman saying that Brad wasn't going to give a pre-game speech, but instead to allow players some quiet time.  Big mistake, HUGE, because they came out distracted and were down 20 at the half.  Poor pre-game coaching by Brad, in my opinion.

Mark Murphy @Murf56
yesterday
A lot of NBA players didn't feel like competing today, the Celtics included. Gordon Hayward: "Man, some of us are still hurting and it was difficult to play today. Mentally there was a lot of guys that were not themselves because of the news, and I don’t blame them."

Professionals put those feelings into a box to return to later.  That's Mamba Mentality, that's how Kobe did it.  For them to play like that because of the impact Kobe's death had on them completely misses who Kobe was and what he brought to the sport.

Yes, I know I'm being harsh.  I'm as upset about Kobe's death as any non-Laker fan but one of the things that really worries me about this team is their mental toughness.  We see them with icy starts to games because they're not mentally ready.  We see them get discombobulated (that's a technical basketball term).  If that's who they are it could be a very quick playoff season for us and this game refreshed that concern in me.  Yes, I know that Tatum and Kanter were out, but this gripe isn't about whether we can beat the Pelicans in a 7 game series.  It's about our mental toughness, or perhaps deficit thereof.

Zion with 11 rebounds, 7 offensive.  That's because we were standing around watching him shoot, and miss, instead of moving to the front of the rim to get the rebound in case he missed.  The announcers talked about how quick his 2nd jump is.  He had all the time in the world to make that 2nd jump because our feet were stuck in cement.  Still, he's an interesting basketball specimen.  6'6", 285#.  He has played in 3 games, a total of 67 minutes, and has scored 58 points.  Only 3 games, small sample size, but that's a pretty amazing start to an NBA career.

They had 3 30+ point quarters.  Yuck.

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401161333




bob


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[dbrown4]

I agree with your points, Bob. I'm concerned about the bad starts as well. Can't figure out why that is always so consistent.
Significant injuries is about the only place I can point the finger.

The only thing I can't seem to side on you with yet is the potential earlier than expected playoff exit. We don't play the Pelicans or teams like that in the playoffs. We hold our own, while not dominating, against playoff competition. That translates to full 6-7 game series each round if we continue to advance.

I am going to gradually adjust my sights on this team regarding the playoffs this year. We'll finish 2nd or 3rd, more than likely 3rd as of right now looking forward. And that's just from this one game. And 3rd is tenuous at best right now.

I know the future is very bright. But we Celtics fans live in the present. And this team has a shot this year. But with games like this, the window shuts ever so gradually.

Also, Jayson Tatum gets the same tribute Kemba got. It didn't take long for our wheels to come off with his absence and to see his value.

db

[dboss]

The slow start definitely made for an uphill climb and Boston cut it below double figures.

The real problem was the lack of bench scoring. Our starters outscored their starters 100-85. Their bench outscored our bench 41-8.

Boston could use a reliable shooter/scorer off the bench.

Also our defense has been slipping. JB was horrible on defense last night.

[dbrown4]

I'm also going to expect the deadline to go through via crickets on the Boston side. Danny's in a tough spot. He's either got bits and pieces or a blockbuster as options. There's only so many Eddie Houses or Kyle Korvers of the NBA world.

db

[dboss]

I'm also going to expect the deadline to go through via crickets on the Boston side.  Danny's in a tough spot.  He's either got bits and pieces or a blockbuster as options.  There's only so many Eddie Houses or Kyle Korvers of the NBA world.  

db

I do not expect Danny to do anything. Was just again making an observation that our bench scoring could use an infusion.

[dbrown4]

Very true dboss.  That and Center/Big at the top of the list.  

db

P.S.  Now we can look ahead.  Hate to say it is a must win game on Tuesday...but it's a must win game.  A loss there will just about seal the 3rd/4th/5th spot for us for the playoffs IMHBOA.

[worcester]

All true, except Gordon played like a Pro, as did Kemba.

[dbrown4]

Actually, my analysis is off on my prediction. Tonight's game really doesn't matter as far as it determines our placement for the playoffs. We tend to split these games 50/50 against playoff competition. Assuming we keep that constant for the remainder of the season and everyone up top beats everyone up top.

What matters will be the continual pile up of losses to bs teams. THAT is what will determine our playoff position. Losing games we should be winning. My bad.

db

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