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Post by petey62 on Aug 20, 2020 15:16:53 GMT -5
Folks, I really think we should slow down on all the hype. We've played two playoff games against an obviously overrated and inferior Sixers team. When Philly played away from Wells Fargo Center, they were 12 wins and 26 losses. They were 29-2 at home pre-bubble.
We are playing a team that is really not that good, especially on the road. And the loss of Simmons makes them even more mediocre. And in game two, beginning with the second quarter, the Celtics were hitting on all cylinders. I really don't think we can play better that we did in game two (after the 1st half of the 1st quarter).
Philly cannot guard the Celtic wings and that includes Maker and Semi (we are a horrible matchup for them). We are causing so many issues that Philly has no answer whatsoever.
I just hope we keep up the intensity and don't get relaxed and close this team out like we're supposed to.
I think a series against Toronto would be a totally different kind of challenge. But let's just get past Philly for now.
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Post by Cabutan on Aug 20, 2020 16:47:47 GMT -5
Folks, I really think we should slow down on all the hype. We've played two playoff games against an obviously overrated and inferior Sixers team. When Philly played away from Wells Fargo Center, they were 12 wins and 26 losses. They were 29-2 at home pre-bubble. We are playing a team that is really not that good, especially on the road. And the loss of Simmons makes them even more mediocre. And in game two, beginning with the second quarter, the Celtics were hitting on all cylinders. I really don't think we can play better that we did in game two (after the 1st half of the 1st quarter). Philly cannot guard the Celtic wings and that includes Maker and Semi (we are a horrible matchup for them). We are causing so many issues that Philly has no answer whatsoever. I just hope we keep up the intensity and don't get relaxed and close this team out like we're supposed to. I think a series against Toronto would be a totally different kind of challenge. But let's just get past Philly for now. I struggle to think we are winning because Philly is mediocre because last time we met, they gave us lots of trouble and it was not so much Simmons but richardson then on another game tobias and then in another simmons and that rookie of them. I just think that Tatum is playing at such a high level right now that he is being the difference maker. We always come and blatantly talk about the fact that the team with the best player usually wins, well i gotta say Tatum has been the best player in this series by far.
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 20, 2020 17:30:38 GMT -5
Folks, I really think we should slow down on all the hype. We've played two playoff games against an obviously overrated and inferior Sixers team. When Philly played away from Wells Fargo Center, they were 12 wins and 26 losses. They were 29-2 at home pre-bubble. We are playing a team that is really not that good, especially on the road. And the loss of Simmons makes them even more mediocre. And in game two, beginning with the second quarter, the Celtics were hitting on all cylinders. I really don't think we can play better that we did in game two (after the 1st half of the 1st quarter). Philly cannot guard the Celtic wings and that includes Maker and Semi (we are a horrible matchup for them). We are causing so many issues that Philly has no answer whatsoever. I just hope we keep up the intensity and don't get relaxed and close this team out like we're supposed to. I think a series against Toronto would be a totally different kind of challenge. But let's just get past Philly for now. I struggle to think we are winning because Philly is mediocre because last time we met, they gave us lots of trouble and it was not so much Simmons but richardson then on another game tobias and then in another simmons and that rookie of them. I just think that Tatum is playing at such a high level right now that he is being the difference maker. We always come and blatantly talk about the fact that the team with the best player usually wins, well i gotta say Tatum has been the best player in this series by far. Agree 100%! Tatum is gonna be the best player on the court, in most cases, that's why I like our chances!
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Post by petey62 on Aug 20, 2020 18:04:38 GMT -5
I would totally agree about Tatum but Jaylen Brown is playing out of his mind too. Right now, everybody is playing well. Our much-maligned bench is even producing. We are just clicking right now. But as for Tatum and Brown, the both of them are virtually unstoppable in this series. Outside of Embiid, we probably have 3 of the top 4 performing players in this series.
On the road, this Philly team is very mediocre. Simmons or no Simmons, when they are NOT playing at Wells Fargo, they are a bad basketball team.
And with Tatum and Brown raising their games, it puts even more distance between the Celtics and Sixers.
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 20, 2020 19:05:07 GMT -5
I would totally agree about Tatum but Jaylen Brown is playing out of his mind too. Right now, everybody is playing well. Our much-maligned bench is even producing. We are just clicking right now. But as for Tatum and Brown, the both of them are virtually unstoppable in this series. Outside of Embiid, we probably have 3 of the top 4 performing players in this series. On the road, this Philly team is very mediocre. Simmons or no Simmons, when they are NOT playing at Wells Fargo, they are a bad basketball team. And with Tatum and Brown raising their games, it puts even more distance between the Celtics and Sixers. If Brown and Kemba play like this next series, I don't think the Raptors can beat us! Tatum at this point, is gonna be Tatum!
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Post by petey62 on Aug 20, 2020 19:43:17 GMT -5
But if Van Vleet, Kyle Lowry, and Siakam play in the 2nd round like they're playing now, they can beat the Celtics too. As great as Tatum is playing, Lowry is playing great too.
Bottom line, it will be a great round two for sure.
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Post by Cabutan on Aug 20, 2020 20:05:11 GMT -5
I would totally agree about Tatum but Jaylen Brown is playing out of his mind too. Right now, everybody is playing well. Our much-maligned bench is even producing. We are just clicking right now. But as for Tatum and Brown, the both of them are virtually unstoppable in this series. Outside of Embiid, we probably have 3 of the top 4 performing players in this series. On the road, this Philly team is very mediocre. Simmons or no Simmons, when they are NOT playing at Wells Fargo, they are a bad basketball team. And with Tatum and Brown raising their games, it puts even more distance between the Celtics and Sixers. both tatum and brown need to do this in all the series of we want the trophy 🏆
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Post by fierce on Aug 20, 2020 21:02:24 GMT -5
Toronto is not a championship team without Kawhi.
If the Celts are going to lose, it's going to be against the Bucks.
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 20, 2020 21:38:45 GMT -5
Toronto is not a championship team without Kawhi. If the Celts are going to lose, it's going to be against the Bucks. What about the Heat?
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Post by fierce on Aug 20, 2020 21:42:18 GMT -5
Toronto is not a championship team without Kawhi. If the Celts are going to lose, it's going to be against the Bucks. What about the Heat? All I can say is, if we're facing the Heat, instead of the Bucks, in the east finals then we're going to the Finals!
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Post by petey62 on Aug 21, 2020 9:31:43 GMT -5
Fierce, Toronto doesn't have to be a championship team. They've proven all season just how good they are without Kawhi. And if you don't think they can beat the Celtics in a 7 game series, you are simply dismissing the great work that team and Nick Nurse have done this year. They may not win the title but they are good enough to beat us, especially without Hayward.
Same for the Heat. The Heat are playing as well as anyone right now. And we had nothing for them when we played them without Jimmy Butler. Tatum and Brown would have two totally different challenges offensively against Crowder, Butler and Iguodala. And I'm still having nightmares seeing Duncan Robinson nailing 3-pointers against us. Again, especially without Hayward because when he returns, he's going to be rusty and probably NOT 100%.
As well as we've played, I just don't see as easy a path to the East Finals as you seem to see. I think we're in for a dogfight. Heck, I haven't even dismissed Philly yet. Tonight is huge.
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Post by cole on Aug 21, 2020 9:37:26 GMT -5
I'm not worried about Phili series much. Don't think their major players are in good enough shape to sustain a winning effort. Their only chance is a slow game with a ton of FT's.
You're right about Toronto though. With hayward I'd give us a slight edge. Without hayward, I'd give it to them.
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 21, 2020 10:24:06 GMT -5
Fierce, Toronto doesn't have to be a championship team. They've proven all season just how good they are without Kawhi. And if you don't think they can beat the Celtics in a 7 game series, you are simply dismissing the great work that team and Nick Nurse have done this year. They may not win the title but they are good enough to beat us, especially without Hayward. Same for the Heat. The Heat are playing as well as anyone right now. And we had nothing for them when we played them without Jimmy Butler. Tatum and Brown would have two totally different challenges offensively against Crowder, Butler and Iguodala. And I'm still having nightmares seeing Duncan Robinson nailing 3-pointers against us. Again, especially without Hayward because when he returns, he's going to be rusty and probably NOT 100%. As well as we've played, I just don't see as easy a path to the East Finals as you seem to see. I think we're in for a dogfight. Heck, I haven't even dismissed Philly yet. Tonight is huge. We will have to play our best to beat any of those teams! If we have a let down any of those teams can beat us! Tatum, Brown and Kemba will have to all bring their A game, if they do we'll be hard to beat!
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 10:46:17 GMT -5
What you guys don't seem to realize is Kemba was not really unleashed during the 8 games in the bubble.
Now Kemba has no minutes restrictions and he's starting to play Boston Celtics basketball.
Sure, Hayward will be missed, but Kemba is the key.
Kemba's scoring is what will make this Celtics team an elite team.
If JT and JB continues to play well, the only missing piece will be Kemba's scoring.
There's just no way the Raptors or the Heat can keep up with the Celts if JT, JB, and Kemba are all getting 20 points or more in one game.
The Bucks is a different story.
I think if there's a team that the Celts will lose to right now, it's to the Bucks!
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 10:52:59 GMT -5
The Celtic defense has been improving in the bubble.
Rebounding is also very good compared to last March or February.
This is just not the same team I saw in March.
JB has improved tremendously.
JT is finally playing like a true superstar.
And Kemba is starting to play within the system, no more jacking up unnecessary 3s.
If the playoffs started in April, I don't think this Celtic team is as good.
From what I've seen so far, the Celts have improved drastically since March.
That's why I'm very confident that Toronto or Miami will not be a problem.
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Post by sfbosfan on Aug 21, 2020 11:10:40 GMT -5
Real key will be Kanter performing well in the post something we lack when our 3s and perimeter shooting is not 45-50%. He’s not a tremendous defender but still big enough to give opponents trouble driving to the basket and being a shot blocker. But he could give us 10 rebs and 10 pts just in the limited minutes he plays. I hope Williams and even Tacko can provide some needed height for rebs. Theis will continue to be the muscle under the basket and Smart the muscle all over the court! WHAT’S THE STORY WITH POIRIER? Has he played at all?
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 11:18:05 GMT -5
Real key will be Kanter performing well in the post something we lack when our 3s and perimeter shooting is not 45-50%. He’s not a tremendous defender but still big enough to give opponents trouble driving to the basket and being a shot blocker. But he could give us 10 rebs and 10 pts just in the limited minutes he plays. I hope Williams and even Tacko can provide some needed height for rebs. Theis will continue to be the muscle under the basket and Smart the muscle all over the court! WHAT’S THE STORY WITH POIRIER? Has he played at all? Poirier is just not good enough. End of story.
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Post by petey62 on Aug 21, 2020 11:35:06 GMT -5
What you guys don't seem to realize is Kemba was not really unleashed during the 8 games in the bubble. Now Kemba has no minutes restrictions and he's starting to play Boston Celtics basketball. Sure, Hayward will be missed, but Kemba is the key. Kemba's scoring is what will make this Celtics team an elite team. If JT and JB continues to play well, the only missing piece will be Kemba's scoring. There's just no way the Raptors or the Heat can keep up with the Celts if JT, JB, and Kemba are all getting 20 points or more in one game. The Bucks is a different story. I think if there's a team that the Celts will lose to right now, it's to the Bucks! Fierce, even if the Celtics get that production from those three, we will still have to get much more from everyone else. But you act as if Kyle Lowry and Siakam aren't equally able to break out like our three studs. But more important, Toronto's defense is a lot more formidable than is Philly's. As for the Heat, another team that matches up well defensively with our wings. As great as Tatum and Brown are playing, I doubt they'll have the same level of success against the Heat's defense as they are having against Philly. And one of those guys just might find himself guarding Jimmy Butler or chasing Duncan Robinson. The Heat have way more depth that do the Celtics with Crowder, Iguodala, Herro, Dragic and Kelly O coming off the bench. We played a solid, 3 1/2 quarters in game two. I don't see that translating into series wins against Toronto and/or Miami as easily as you seem to see.
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 21, 2020 11:35:06 GMT -5
Do you guys know, that excluding that first game in the bubble, JT is shooting over 50% on threes, and it's not like they're wide open threes! He is on fire!
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Post by kyceltic on Aug 21, 2020 11:37:22 GMT -5
What you guys don't seem to realize is Kemba was not really unleashed during the 8 games in the bubble. Now Kemba has no minutes restrictions and he's starting to play Boston Celtics basketball. Sure, Hayward will be missed, but Kemba is the key. Kemba's scoring is what will make this Celtics team an elite team. If JT and JB continues to play well, the only missing piece will be Kemba's scoring. There's just no way the Raptors or the Heat can keep up with the Celts if JT, JB, and Kemba are all getting 20 points or more in one game. The Bucks is a different story. I think if there's a team that the Celts will lose to right now, it's to the Bucks! Fierce, even if the Celtics get that production from those three, we will still have to get much more from everyone else. But you act as if Kyle Lowry and Siakam aren't equally able to break out like our three studs. But more important, Toronto's defense is a lot more formidable than is Philly's. As for the Heat, another team that matches up well defensively with our wings. As great as Tatum and Brown are playing, I doubt they'll have the same level of success against the Heat's defense as they are having against Philly. And one of those guys just might find himself guarding Jimmy Butler or chasing Duncan Robinson. The Heat have way more depth that do the Celtics with Crowder, Iguodala, Herro, Dragic and Kelly O coming off the bench. We played a solid, 3 1/2 quarters in game two. I don't see that translating into series wins against Toronto and/or Miami as easily as you seem to see. The Heat scare me as much as the Bucks do!
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 11:45:45 GMT -5
What you guys don't seem to realize is Kemba was not really unleashed during the 8 games in the bubble. Now Kemba has no minutes restrictions and he's starting to play Boston Celtics basketball. Sure, Hayward will be missed, but Kemba is the key. Kemba's scoring is what will make this Celtics team an elite team. If JT and JB continues to play well, the only missing piece will be Kemba's scoring. There's just no way the Raptors or the Heat can keep up with the Celts if JT, JB, and Kemba are all getting 20 points or more in one game. The Bucks is a different story. I think if there's a team that the Celts will lose to right now, it's to the Bucks! Fierce, even if the Celtics get that production from those three, we will still have to get much more from everyone else. But you act as if Kyle Lowry and Siakam aren't equally able to break out like our three studs. But more important, Toronto's defense is a lot more formidable than is Philly's. As for the Heat, another team that matches up well defensively with our wings. As great as Tatum and Brown are playing, I doubt they'll have the same level of success against the Heat's defense as they are having against Philly. And one of those guys just might find himself guarding Jimmy Butler or chasing Duncan Robinson. The Heat have way more depth that do the Celtics with Crowder, Iguodala, Herro, Dragic and Kelly O coming off the bench. We played a solid, 3 1/2 quarters in game two. I don't see that translating into series wins against Toronto and/or Miami as easily as you seem to see. Guess we'll just have to wait a week or so to find out. The Heat we will most likely NOT meet in the playoffs. I just don't see the Heat beating the Bucks. Toronto just doesn't scare me. Lowry and Siakam are good, but they're not that good. Kawhi carried the Raptors all the way to the Finals last season. Lowry and Siakam just don't scare me.
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 11:59:14 GMT -5
Heat beat the Pacers in Game 2 and only Iggy and Herro played more than 20 minutes off the bench.
The bench is not as important in the playoffs.
Starters play 40 minutes in the playoffs.
For years Toronto had the best bench in the league before Kawhi came along and Toronto always exited in the playoffs.
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Post by cole on Aug 21, 2020 12:22:06 GMT -5
Do you guys know, that excluding that first game in the bubble, JT is shooting over 50% on threes, and it's not like they're wide open threes! He is on fire! I just heard that on locked on celtics
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Post by fierce on Aug 21, 2020 12:27:34 GMT -5
JT is 1st Team All-NBA material.
Celtic fans didn't have a player like that since Larry Bird.
Add Jaylen Brown to that mix and what we have is an elite team, offensively and defensively.
That's why my expectations are high.
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Post by cole on Aug 21, 2020 12:54:50 GMT -5
Perhaps the best player to compare JT to going forward might be KD, when KD was at his peak and playing both ends. I know you're comparing him to celtics, but I'd go more for an iceman type player from that era for comparison. However he's getting bigger these days. I can see him later in his career being more like lemarcus alderidge as he gets bigger.
JT does remind me of Bird in the way he can shoot when his feet aren't square by just squaring his upper body.
JB has reached full joe dumars ability, and still improving.
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