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Post by sarasoxer on Dec 14, 2022 8:00:54 GMT -5
Does anyone still think that the Celtics, without the Js, are a playoff team?
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 14, 2022 10:04:12 GMT -5
Having watched or listened to just about every game so far this year, things I like about coach Mazzulla - his habit of playing Tatum or Brown as lead options, rarely overlapping - except when it is crunch time and he needs them both; the way that he holds back on calling time outs when the team is on a bad run (he wants them to figure things out for themselves). There is really nothing I don't like about his coaching - the true test will be when they hit a true losing streak (not just two games at the end of a long road trip) - and to see how he mixes in Rob Williams when he gets back. Though Smart still drives me crazy when he sees himself as the primary shooter (chucking up threes), or allows the offense to stagnate, I love this team - watching them is mostly a joy.
Watching Tatum make that fall back mid range over LeBron last night to send the game into OT - and seeing Brown bury really difficult drive, step back, shoot midrange jumpers - wow. These are two young players - and they've become dominant.
All the joy I am not finding with the Red Sox approach offseason (or their season last year), or the Patriots lousy offense, is replaced by the Celtics and Bruins stellar starts.
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Post by GyIantosca on Dec 14, 2022 11:11:22 GMT -5
Wow what a game Tatum took this team on his back. Good win. Needed that one. Smart played good too.
What’s the deal with Grant Williams. He gets no love from the refs.
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mobaz
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Post by mobaz on Dec 14, 2022 11:14:01 GMT -5
I take back my comments after reading this: Jayson Tatum the only man in the league that can be 4-1 in Game 7’s, have 3 conference Finals trips, a Finals appearance, all before 25 and get told he doesn’t have any killer instinct or will to win. His coming out party to me was Nets-Celts G1 end game, the way he absolutely swallowed KD into a bad shot followed by the no time out roll to the basket after the Brown-to-Smart-duck and laying up on Kyrie's face. That sequence was full on guts followed by incredible smarts, and it all was put together. I think if he hadn't hurt his shoulder we'd have had a real chance in the finals. |
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 14, 2022 11:19:12 GMT -5
Wow what a game Tatum took this team on his back. Good win. Needed that one. Smart played good too. What’s the deal with Grant Williams. He gets no love from the refs. Smart redeemed himself after being a major factor in them losing the lead. He is such a frustrating player! Grant just needs to shut up and play. |
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Post by jmei on Dec 14, 2022 11:33:09 GMT -5
I legitimately think Grant Williams is a top 5 most annoying player in the NBA. Just oozing annoying little brother energy.
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 14, 2022 13:58:58 GMT -5
Pretty amazing stat I just discovered, reading about another Dukie, Tyus Jones, and his ascending role at Memphis. Duke (whom I've rooted for since moving to Raleigh in 1992 - we left there in 2020, and are now in Hendersonville) has 25 players currently in the NBA the best or most important being Tatum - of course - but also Grayson Allen, Marvin Bagley, Paolo Banchero, RJ Barrett, Wendell Carter, Seth Curry, AJ Griffin, Brandon Ingram (shhh - Kyrie Irving), Tre and Tyus Jones, Gary Trent and Zion Williamson. Lots of these were one and dones. Good to see that pedigree translating into NBA success - didn't realize the list was so long.
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 14, 2022 14:01:32 GMT -5
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Post by philarhody on Dec 14, 2022 20:44:00 GMT -5
Does anyone still think that the Celtics, without the Js, are a playoff team? Yes, absolutely. |
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Post by sarasoxer on Dec 15, 2022 8:36:34 GMT -5
Does anyone still think that the Celtics, without the Js, are a playoff team? Yes, absolutely. Not trying to be negative or provocative and it won't happen, but Where would they get 110 points/game... |
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Post by texs31 on Dec 15, 2022 13:02:10 GMT -5
Not trying to be negative or provocative and it won't happen, but Where would they get 110 points/game... The follow up question says to me that your initial question was actually: "Does anyone think the Celtics, without the Js could play the same way and still be a playoff team?" a question to which I would respond no. I don't want to speak for others but I saw the question and thought that they have enough talent to be in the top 8 teams in the East (even though they'd likely have to do it a different way). |
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 15, 2022 20:15:01 GMT -5
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Post by Don Caballero on Dec 15, 2022 22:40:28 GMT -5
That is too trite. It’s one thing when shots don’t go down. It’s another thing to fall into bad habits that make a comeback more unlikely. To be fair, I agree with you but had to make that joke once you included some stuff (pull up threes and poor focus on defense) which I don't really think are bad habits they ever had. Sure, Tatum and Brown might pull up from 3 every once in a while (and you have to live with superstars taking stupid shots, Smart does some heat checks which are not ok but hey I'm too used to the Marcus Smart Experience lol) and they might miss some rotations here and there, but I don't think those were ever consistent issues. Too much ISO, no ball movement and complaining to the refs you're absolutely spot on. |
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Post by philarhody on Dec 16, 2022 5:25:29 GMT -5
Not trying to be negative or provocative and it won't happen, but Where would they get 110 points/game... They would need Malcolm to stay healthy taking on a bigger role. But a starting lineup of Brogdon Smart Williams Williams and Horford with White Pritchard Kornet and Hauser would contend for a playoff spot. Every single player on that team is a versatile offensive piece looking to make the extra pass and move without the ball. That’s not something you can say about the current team, despite being considerably better. |
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Dec 16, 2022 11:21:45 GMT -5
I can certainly see the argument they might be a playoff team without the Js. Yet look at the list of current non playoff teams and their talent levels. It's not always just talent level. Nevermind a guy like Brogdon maybe being your best player is crazy bad. Yeah they have very good depth, yet everything revolves around two top 20 players. Tatum is already one of the better two way players to every play the game, Brown is an elite scorer.
Nevermind a team that's been undersized already would get even worse as you'd be playing a ton of White, Smart, Brogdon and Pritchard. If Robert Williams comes back 100% that might work, yet you'd have had major issues before that happened.
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Post by GyIantosca on Dec 16, 2022 17:19:30 GMT -5
Timelord tonight. I am not trying to do anything negative on the home teams but I have to admit I was a little disappointed he didnt play against the Lakers. I mean if there is one game you get your bloood flowing its that one. But I'M over it. They need some size.
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2022 20:24:37 GMT -5
Back to playing like clowns.
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2022 20:40:18 GMT -5
Just a pathetic effort defensively. They don’t even attempt to box out.
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Post by philarhody on Dec 16, 2022 20:57:15 GMT -5
I’m a huge fan of this Magic team. I think Banchero is Lebron like in his size/skill/fluidity. But we Mo Wagner has three or four highlight dunks on you. In one game. You’ve got some issues defensively.
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2022 21:39:05 GMT -5
I’m a huge fan of this Magic team. I think Banchero is Lebron like in his size/skill/fluidity. But we Mo Wagner has three or four highlight dunks on you. In one game. You’ve got some issues defensively. They’re 9-20. I like some of the young players, but this is as pathetic a performance as you’ll see. |
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cdj
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Post by cdj on Dec 16, 2022 21:43:46 GMT -5
I hope cole Anthony knows he reminds me of a poodle
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2022 21:46:25 GMT -5
They’ve played like clowns since the Phoenix game, and this is what happens.
Just a clown show team right now.
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wcp3
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Post by wcp3 on Dec 16, 2022 21:54:49 GMT -5
Getting punked now by mediocre players. This team has been reading its press clippings and they feel like they’ll win just by showing up.
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Post by soxfansince67 on Dec 16, 2022 22:11:09 GMT -5
Missed this one. After seeing the score, glad I did. Wha' happened???
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Post by jmei on Dec 16, 2022 22:25:44 GMT -5
Bad defense and rebounding and missed a lot of threes.
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