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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 0:22:46 GMT -5
Exit Interview: Boston Celtics Without its two stars, Boston went further than anyone could have imagined. So what could the team change this offseason? By Haley O'Shaughnessy
Getty Images/Ringer illustration
When general manager Danny Ainge traded for Kyrie Irving, drafted Jayson Tatum, and recruited Gordon Hayward, he (very likely) envisioned a team that would make the Eastern Conference finals. Just not this team. Led by Terry Rozier, enforced by Marcus Smart, carried by Jaylen Brown, and flourished by Tatum, the only C in his expected place was Al Horford. Aron Baynes took 3s. Rozier tried to son LeBron. Rozier thought he had LeBron. Rozier learned. Rozier really learned.
It took a couple of damning injuries to deflate such a carefully curated roster into one with underdog status. But Brad Stevens could turn hot dogs into charcuterie, and although expectations dropped like Celtics, the preseason predictions held. Many saw Boston in the Eastern Conference finals. If anyone saw Boston getting there without its two best players, or with a rookie leading its postseason scoring, with Semi Ojeleye serving as Tyronn Lue’s Game 5 checkmate, then @ me. I’d love a ghostwriter.
Boston made its second straight trip to the conference finals, but couldn’t overcome the King, losing in Game 7, 87-79. Here are three questions heading into Ainge’s favorite of the four seasons, the offseason:
What Changes?
The confused Sponge Bob meme’s time on the internet has come and gone (RIP), but if there was ever an occasion it called for, it was the timeouts during Cavaliers-Celtics. The broadcast had its “Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals” graphic stamped onto the screen, and whenever it crossed with Hayward in a suit jacket, it felt like 2K crossed with the Twilight Zone. (Irving, interestingly enough, was not on the bench.)
The identity Boston took on in the playoffs has no shelf life. Rozier isn’t a starter—in green and white, anyway—once Irving is healthy. Hayward signed a max contract last summer. Irving and Hayward will slot right back into starting roles, but still, unexpected success can complicate hierarchies. Tatum finished the postseason a rookie ahead of his time and finished ahead of his class, outlasting Rookie of the Year candidates Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell. Stevens now has to figure out how not only to best incorporate Tatum and Brown around Hayward, he has to also figure out how to not stunt their growth. It’s a good problem to have, especially when your coach is an iconoclast with a clipboard. (Though giving Greg “Lol Just Got Outrebounded By Jordan Clarkson Again” Monroe minutes in Game 6 might be the wrong kind of innovation.) As for the other breakouts …
Does Boston Keep Smart?
Smart is the longest-tenured Celtic on the roster, and he’s only 24 years old. He’s one of the most capable defenders in the league, a skill that’s served as a through line as Boston morphed backcourts. Smart will become a restricted free agent this summer, and his case is interesting by default. Boston is all but capped out, but can match any offer sheet that comes. Many franchises around the league are still gun-shy on spending after a flood of rich contracts in 2016. For as valuable as Smart’s defense is, the market for a horrific shooter is [ghost of Tony Allen descends] at an all-time low. He fits best in a system like Stevens’s and is beloved by the city. Though ask Isaiah Thomas—that matters none to Ainge.
Apparently, the sentiment means just as little to him. In a recent interview with The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan said she didn’t believe Smart would take a discount to stay, even if it meant leaving for a team that isn’t in contention. MacMullan said that she asked “lots of people around the Celtics and around the league” and “every one of them said, ‘Hell no, he’s going for the money.’”
And the Other Backup Point Guard?
Thanks to this postseason, Rozier made a little change off Scary Terry shirts. And also thanks to this postseason, he will be making a lot more money in 2019, when he becomes a restricted free agent. The Boston front office has options: It can offer 24-year-old Rozier an extension, hold off a year, or sell high.
After Rozier’s breakout, a backcourt of him, Irving, and Smart would get crowded. Rozier has never been an easier sell, especially for a GM hungry for draft picks. But the old joke (is it really a joke?) is that Ainge won’t trade him. “Nah, Danny won’t trade me” Rozier said in 2017 after it was reported that he was a dealbreaker in getting Serge Ibaka—although if the Celtics were just waiting for him to materialize into a more valuable trade asset, it was worth the wait.
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 0:33:26 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 0:36:14 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 0:45:01 GMT -5
Boston Celtics' shooting fails them vs. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 By Tom Westerholm
Terry Rozier on Game 7: "Pain is part of the path. So. Just gotta live with it."
BOSTON -- When the Boston Celtics look back at their 2017-18 season, they will likely have fond memories and a bitter taste.
The fond memories will stem from an improbable run that culminated in an Eastern Conference Finals berth nobody saw coming, after the team's two stars went down prior to the postseason. The bitter taste will come from the end, when Boston's shooting completely failed them in an 87-79 Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
The Celtics shot 34.1 percent from the field and 17.9 percent from three in the loss. Terry Rozier was 2-for-14 from the floor and 0-for-10 from three. Jaylen Brown was 5-for-18 and 3-for-12 from deep. Marcus Smart was 1-for-10 and 0-for-4. The struggles were obvious and amplified down the stretch by the Celtics' desperation to do something -- anything -- to get themselves back into the game.
"It's frustrating," Smart said. "We just tried to find a way. We tried to go back on the other end and play defense and keep giving ourselves a chance to knock those shots down again."
Was it the Cavaliers' defense?
"We just missed shots," Smart said. "They were doubling in the post and we were getting wide open shots. We just couldn't make them."
Rozier didn't have many answers either.
"I didn't make shots," he said simply, twice, answering a pair of different questions.
"One of them nights," he added. "One of those nights for sure."
Likely even more aggravating for the Celtics: The shots they got were solid. Boston hoisted open threes all evening and got to the rim time and again. The Cavaliers' defense -- second-worst in the regular season -- wasn't suddenly fixed for Game 7. The looks the Celtics wanted were available, they just refused to fall for an increasingly desperate team that watched the rope slide out of their hands after seemingly owning a firm grip in the second quarter.
"Nothing they were doing," Brown said. "Just didn't fall."
Prior to Sunday's game, Celtics fans could reasonably have said they were in a no-lose situation: Nobody expected the Celtics to be one win from the NBA Finals in this postseason, so losing to LeBron James (who continues to build his legacy among the game's all-time greats) only accelerates the vision for next season.
But the shooting woes in Game 7 will follow the Celtics into the summer. Make a few more 3-pointers, and the Celtics likely would have moved on.
"I think at the end of the day, again, this team was the only team that I've been around at this level that I thought we might shoot 36 percent and win the game," Brad Stevens said. "But we just had one of those nights."
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Post by hedleylamarr on May 28, 2018 0:52:02 GMT -5
Keep Smart, trade Rozier
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Post by hedleylamarr on May 28, 2018 0:52:24 GMT -5
Biggest game of his life, and not-so-scary-Terry lays an egg
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Post by hedleylamarr on May 28, 2018 0:57:15 GMT -5
Great season. Over achieved. But this one stings. Being led by a 20 yr old in Game 7 ain't cool!!
Smart is already taking about money. Maybe let him go, too....................14-16 mill, and that's not enough? See ya!!
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Post by elvissurfs on May 28, 2018 9:48:29 GMT -5
no, you are just a moron...go root for the Dubs... Why am I a Moron Go Fudge Yourself !!! Whom are you going to root for? LeBron ? I will root for GS or Houston same as I root for any team who plays the Yankees. Keep your insults to yourself ! I play competitive tennis and am returning serve... MORON !!! Because they aren't our daddy...we are missing our two best veteran players and LeBron is totally propped up by the league, gets away with his bully ball, puts the opposing defense in immediate foul trouble...if Kyrie was there, and Hayward, we would destroy them...and if the games were called fair, we would have won with the team we have... so, no they are not the Celts daddy...who the heck says something like that anyways?
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Post by fierce on May 28, 2018 9:54:21 GMT -5
Yesterday I asked you if you also believed the Celts would win tonight. You said yes. Kevin Love or no Kevin Love, Lebron is the only reason why the Celts lost. Are the Cavs better without Kevin Love? Of course not! Why must you always debate me? I felt the Celtics would win but I also expressed doubt because Cleveland has played better IN THIS SERIES when Love was not playing. That has nothing to do with Cleveland being better with or without Love. Like I said, the Cavs have played better IN THIS SERIES with Love NOT in the game. So counting this as a win "as simple as that" was pretty incorrect. As I expressed my doubt, YOU continued to say "the Celtics will win by 5 or 10 points. It's as simple as that." Well Fierce, it IS NOT as simple as that. I'm proud of this team but I'm disappointed that we went out like this. We did not even play as well as we could have played. That's what's disappointed. Also, Lebron did what Lebron does. The Cavs won because we had no answer for Jeff Green and "The Pips". You're disappointed we went out like this? Celts were not supposed to get past the Bucks after the news that Kyrie wouldn't be available for the playoffs. No Kyrie, no Hayward, and the Celts still reached the east finals and were one game short of making it to the finals. The Celts EXTREMELY overachieved this season. This is not the first time you expressed doubt. A few weeks ago, you didn't believe the Celts would get past Philly.
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Post by fierce on May 28, 2018 10:06:01 GMT -5
Jayson Tatum will excel at PF.
Look at the Rockets and Warriors. They all play small ball.
Tatum can be Horford's replacement at PF after 2 years.
The Celts started the season with:
C - Horford PF - Tatum SF - Brown SG - Hayward PG - Kyrie
That's the starting 5 when the season started and Hayward was lost for the season.
It gets better if Ainge can get Kawhi and pair him with Tatum at the other F spot.
After the Warriors lost to the Cavs in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, they got Kevin Durant so that they will have an answer for Lebron.
Ainge needs to do same. Meaning Ainge has to upgrade the roster. Brown, Tatum, or even Morris can't guard Lebron.
Kawhi is the only one who successfully guarded Lebron in an NBA Finals.
If the Cavs win another championship this year, Lebron will not leave the Cavs. Celts need an answer for Lebron as Lebron has 2-3 more years of playing at a high level.
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Post by kyceltic on May 28, 2018 10:31:03 GMT -5
1.I'm now for the Warriors, I don't think Houston can beat the Cavs! 2. Our guards are why we lost last night, Rozier, Smart and Brown, picked a bad time to all be bad! Brown didn't take bad shots, they just weren't falling! Remember when Ainge wss trying to get Evans from Memphis, we could have really used him last night! 3.Tatum and Brown will be even better next year, add Kyrie, and Hayward and we are heavy favorites to go to the finals!! 4.I hated to see it end, but what a great year it was to be a Celtic fan!!
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Post by petey62 on May 28, 2018 10:33:42 GMT -5
Why must you always debate me? I felt the Celtics would win but I also expressed doubt because Cleveland has played better IN THIS SERIES when Love was not playing. That has nothing to do with Cleveland being better with or without Love. Like I said, the Cavs have played better IN THIS SERIES with Love NOT in the game. So counting this as a win "as simple as that" was pretty incorrect. As I expressed my doubt, YOU continued to say "the Celtics will win by 5 or 10 points. It's as simple as that." Well Fierce, it IS NOT as simple as that. I'm proud of this team but I'm disappointed that we went out like this. We did not even play as well as we could have played. That's what's disappointed. Also, Lebron did what Lebron does. The Cavs won because we had no answer for Jeff Green and "The Pips". You're disappointed we went out like this? Celts were not supposed to get past the Bucks after the news that Kyrie wouldn't be available for the playoffs. No Kyrie, no Hayward, and the Celts still reached the east finals and were one game short of making it to the finals. The Celts EXTREMELY overachieved this season. This is not the first time you expressed doubt. A few weeks ago, you didn't believe the Celts would get past Philly. When Kyrie was lost, I had doubts we could get past Milwaukee. I also had doubts we could beat Philly. I had doubts we could beat Cleveland too. I had doubts until the games started and I realized we could AND SHOULD beat every one of those teams, including Cleveland. That did not change last night. That's why I am disappointed we went out like we did last night. Listen, Lebron is the best of this era, but Lebron did not beat us last night. Neither did Jeff Green. As this series has gone, if you knew before last night's game that the Cavs would score 87 points and Lebron would play all 48 minutes and score 35, you'd bet the farm on the Celtics to WIN that game. EASILY! We lost the game because we shot horribly. Our guards, who were so dominant, shot 8 - 42 for the game. Lebron is the best but if our guards shoot like they've shot this series, last night's game isn't even close. That is what's disappointing. Everyone will say " The Celtics should not have been there", BUT THEY WERE and, IMO, should be in the Finals now! Again, just my opinion.
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Post by hedleylamarr on May 28, 2018 10:41:00 GMT -5
Jayson Tatum will excel at PF. Look at the Rockets and Warriors. They all play small ball. Tatum can be Horford's replacement at PF after 2 years. The Celts started the season with: C - Horford PF - Tatum SF - Brown SG - Hayward PG - Kyrie That's the starting 5 when the season started and Hayward was lost for the season. It gets better if Ainge can get Kawhi and pair him with Tatum at the other F spot. After the Warriors lost to the Cavs in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, they got Kevin Durant so that they will have an answer for Lebron. Ainge needs to do same. Meaning Ainge has to upgrade the roster. Brown, Tatum, or even Morris can't guard Lebron. Kawhi is the only one who successfully guarded Lebron in an NBA Finals. If the Cavs win another championship this year, Lebron will not leave the Cavs. Celts need an answer for Lebron as Lebron has 2-3 more years of playing at a high level. I don't think he's leaving anyway.
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Post by hedleylamarr on May 28, 2018 10:51:48 GMT -5
You're disappointed we went out like this? Celts were not supposed to get past the Bucks after the news that Kyrie wouldn't be available for the playoffs. No Kyrie, no Hayward, and the Celts still reached the east finals and were one game short of making it to the finals. The Celts EXTREMELY overachieved this season. This is not the first time you expressed doubt. A few weeks ago, you didn't believe the Celts would get past Philly. When Kyrie was lost, I had doubts we could get past Milwaukee. I also had doubts we could beat Philly. I had doubts we could beat Cleveland too. I had doubts until the games started and I realized we could AND SHOULD beat every one of those teams, including Cleveland. That did not change last night. That's why I am disappointed we went out like we did last night. Listen, Lebron is the best of this era, but Lebron did not beat us last night. Neither did Jeff Green. As this series has gone, if you knew before last night's game that the Cavs would score 87 points and Lebron would play all 48 minutes and score 35, you'd bet the farm on the Celtics to WIN that game. EASILY! We lost the game because we shot horribly. Our guards, who were so dominant, shot 8 - 42 for the game. Lebron is the best but if our guards shoot like they've shot this series, last night's game isn't even close. That is what's disappointing. Everyone will say " The Celtics should not have been there", BUT THEY WERE and, IMO, should be in the Finals now! Again, just my opinion. If I may - we did lose because we shot horribly. BUT, we shot horribly on 3's and from the FT line. And we kept shooting them. We actually shot better on 2's than they did. But I do agree with you, Petey. WHY did we keep shooting 3's? ? I don't get it......and Rozier is the worst culprit. I'm okay with getting rid of him
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Post by elvissurfs on May 28, 2018 10:54:07 GMT -5
Jayson Tatum will excel at PF. Look at the Rockets and Warriors. They all play small ball. Tatum can be Horford's replacement at PF after 2 years. The Celts started the season with: C - Horford PF - Tatum SF - Brown SG - Hayward PG - Kyrie That's the starting 5 when the season started and Hayward was lost for the season. It gets better if Ainge can get Kawhi and pair him with Tatum at the other F spot. After the Warriors lost to the Cavs in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, they got Kevin Durant so that they will have an answer for Lebron. Ainge needs to do same. Meaning Ainge has to upgrade the roster. Brown, Tatum, or even Morris can't guard Lebron. Kawhi is the only one who successfully guarded Lebron in an NBA Finals. If the Cavs win another championship this year, Lebron will not leave the Cavs. Celts need an answer for Lebron as Lebron has 2-3 more years of playing at a high level. I don't think he's leaving anyway. I think there is a good chance he stays...he has a wife and kids, yeah more money than god, so it is easy to move, but still...they dont want to move a bunch...LA is the only logical spot, but they will have to get Paul George...and dump Ball...I think LA gets Kawhi, and then they dont need LeBron...Houston could be groovy, hella better than moving your kids to Philly...but why not just stay in Cleveland where he can continue to be the GM?
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Post by sfbosfan on May 28, 2018 11:45:08 GMT -5
Why am I a Moron Go Fudge Yourself !!! Whom are you going to root for? LeBron ? I will root for GS or Houston same as I root for any team who plays the Yankees. Keep your insults to yourself ! I play competitive tennis and am returning serve... MORON !!! Because they aren't our daddy...we are missing our two best veteran players and LeBron is totally propped up by the league, gets away with his bully ball, puts the opposing defense in immediate foul trouble...if Kyrie was there, and Hayward, we would destroy them...and if the games were called fair, we would have won with the team we have... so, no they are not the Celts daddy...who the heck says something like that anyways? Pedro Martinez, one of the Red Sox’ greatest pitchers, "says something like that anyways", in a game many years ago !!! In that game he went 7 and 1/3 innings tossing 117 pitches he lost and said “What can I say,” “Just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy.” Without Irving for the playoffs and Hayward the whole year we were up 3-2 and needed win 1 out of 2 with the last game on our home court where we had a 10-0 record. The last 4 playoff series vs the Cavs the scores were 4-0, 4-0, 4-1 and now 4-3. Some might be happy we got at least 3…I’m not as we could not beat them with their 2nd best player, Love, out 3 Qtrs game 6 and all of game 7 so, as Pedro said as the Yankees had been dominating the Sox, would you not say the Cavs had been dominating us in the playoffs…would have been nice to get the monkey off our back this year ! And, yup, I’ll root for GS…wanted to go to a couple games & root for C’s against them and we match up well with them, 2 fast break teams, 2 good shooting 3 pt shot teams(not last night unfortunately), good defensive teams and no domineering Embiid, Greek Freak etc. in the post. When those 3s were not hitting last night we needed to drive to the basket more, get shot blocked, make basket or get fouled. Horford needed to be in the post and then if they put 2 defenders on him so he couldn’t go to the basket, toss the ball out to an open man. With the score within 5 pts the 2nd & 3rd qtr, and us shooting in the mid 30s, why did we think our 3s were going to fall in the 4th ? We won the 1st Qtr but getting only 30 pts total Qtrs 2 +3 it was a 50-50 winner game going into the 4th so we could not take that chance, again needed to drive to the basket, Tatum, Brown, Rozier, Horford etc. They only shot 2 more 3s but were 38…32 in the paint, rebounds were even 52-52 but we did have an advantage in turnovers 13-6 so 7 more 2nd chances but the killer was their 11% better shooting % 45.5 to 34.1. With those extra turnover chances, just shooting 40% and more driving to the basket & foul shots, we’d won by 10.
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Post by fierce on May 28, 2018 12:17:55 GMT -5
The pressure was just too high for Rozier, Brown, and Smart.
There's a reason why guys like Lebron, KD, Curry, Kyrie, and all the other superstars get big money.
When we had superstars back in 2008, even Lebron scoring 45 points was not enough.
Paul Pierce answered with 41 points.
This is just a case of the Celts not having their star player for the playoffs.
Again, if Kyrie was playing, there's no way the Cavs would've forced a Game 7.
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Post by Cabutan on May 28, 2018 13:16:34 GMT -5
When Kyrie was lost, I had doubts we could get past Milwaukee. I also had doubts we could beat Philly. I had doubts we could beat Cleveland too. I had doubts until the games started and I realized we could AND SHOULD beat every one of those teams, including Cleveland. That did not change last night. That's why I am disappointed we went out like we did last night. Listen, Lebron is the best of this era, but Lebron did not beat us last night. Neither did Jeff Green. As this series has gone, if you knew before last night's game that the Cavs would score 87 points and Lebron would play all 48 minutes and score 35, you'd bet the farm on the Celtics to WIN that game. EASILY! We lost the game because we shot horribly. Our guards, who were so dominant, shot 8 - 42 for the game. Lebron is the best but if our guards shoot like they've shot this series, last night's game isn't even close. That is what's disappointing. Everyone will say " The Celtics should not have been there", BUT THEY WERE and, IMO, should be in the Finals now! Again, just my opinion. If I may - we did lose because we shot horribly. BUT, we shot horribly on 3's and from the FT line. And we kept shooting them. We actually shot better on 2's than they did. But I do agree with you, Petey. WHY did we keep shooting 3's? ? I don't get it......and Rozier is the worst culprit. I'm okay with getting rid of him I wonder if his trade value dropped or if there is a team out there ready to get Rozier. He had great moments I must admit but I dont know. I keep going back to the whole "is a PG really necessary?" I want to think that Danny will go after Donte Divicenzo in the draft. We could use some shooting but I think the guy will be gone by the time we pick which will leave Danny going after yet another PG.
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 15:17:44 GMT -5
When Kyrie was lost, I had doubts we could get past Milwaukee. I also had doubts we could beat Philly. I had doubts we could beat Cleveland too. I had doubts until the games started and I realized we could AND SHOULD beat every one of those teams, including Cleveland. That did not change last night. That's why I am disappointed we went out like we did last night. Listen, Lebron is the best of this era, but Lebron did not beat us last night. Neither did Jeff Green. As this series has gone, if you knew before last night's game that the Cavs would score 87 points and Lebron would play all 48 minutes and score 35, you'd bet the farm on the Celtics to WIN that game. EASILY! We lost the game because we shot horribly. Our guards, who were so dominant, shot 8 - 42 for the game. Lebron is the best but if our guards shoot like they've shot this series, last night's game isn't even close. That is what's disappointing. Everyone will say " The Celtics should not have been there", BUT THEY WERE and, IMO, should be in the Finals now! Again, just my opinion. If I may - we did lose because we shot horribly. BUT, we shot horribly on 3's and from the FT line. And we kept shooting them. We actually shot better on 2's than they did. But I do agree with you, Petey. WHY did we keep shooting 3's? ? I don't get it......and Rozier is the worst culprit. I'm okay with getting rid of him
I don't think Leonard is going anywhere either and if he does it won't be here.
Yes, that's a good question for Brad. I re-watched the final 3 mins and it made me sick! The best coach in the league, especially on play-after-to's went with Tatum iso's just prior to the final 3 mins and then let Smart, Brown & Rozier go free to fire up 5 threes on limited passing and no apparent set play. Other than those 5 "missed" threes (indicative of the entire 2nd half - how could Brad expect a reversion to the mean in last 2-3 mins when there was no mean!) there was only one attempt to take it to the rim and Smart's attempt was weak and didn't make it over the rim front.
I must say, as good as Brad has been, this was his worse coaching under pressure ... as bad or worse than our young backcourt folding under the pressure of a meaningful game 7 down 4-7pts ... an uncomposed panic attack by all, including HC Stevens. He even looked & sounded disappointed in himself at the presser as he made excuses for his players.
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Post by croc on May 28, 2018 15:21:26 GMT -5
If I may - we did lose because we shot horribly. BUT, we shot horribly on 3's and from the FT line. And we kept shooting them. We actually shot better on 2's than they did. But I do agree with you, Petey. WHY did we keep shooting 3's? ? I don't get it......and Rozier is the worst culprit. I'm okay with getting rid of him I wonder if his trade value dropped or if there is a team out there ready to get Rozier. He had great moments I must admit but I dont know. I keep going back to the whole "is a PG really necessary?" I want to think that Danny will go after Donte Divicenzo in the draft. We could use some shooting but I think the guy will be gone by the time we pick which will leave Danny going after yet another PG. In most cases experience smooths out inconsistency. People will be looking at his whole performance since Kyrie went down. Overall, he's been decent. I don't know why game 7 should be given more emphasis than game 6. He was very good in game 6. He has decent trade value especially in combination with other assets. As far as the 2018 draft goes, I think they should hope lightening strikes this year, and look to 2019.
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Post by petey62 on May 28, 2018 15:29:03 GMT -5
The pressure was just too high for Rozier, Brown, and Smart. There's a reason why guys like Lebron, KD, Curry, Kyrie, and all the other superstars get big money. When we had superstars back in 2008, even Lebron scoring 45 points was not enough. Paul Pierce answered with 41 points. This is just a case of the Celts not having their star player for the playoffs. Again, if Kyrie was playing, there's no way the Cavs would've forced a Game 7. Fierce, you may very well be correct but the pressure wasn't too high for Jayson Tatum for that matter, a 20 year old rookie. How can this pressure be too high for Smart and Rozier, guys with years in the NBA under their belt? How can all three be overwhelmed by the pressure? I can see Rozier or Brown not playing their game, but all three? We didn't need Kyrie last night. I truly believe the guys on the roster were adequate to get the job done. That's why I believe we beat ourselves. Lebron did not. No way the Celtics should lose at home while surrendering 87 points to anyone.
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 15:32:56 GMT -5
Jayson Tatum will excel at PF. Look at the Rockets and Warriors. They all play small ball. Tatum can be Horford's replacement at PF after 2 years. The Celts started the season with: C - Horford PF - Tatum SF - Brown SG - HaywardPG - Kyrie That's the starting 5 when the season started and Hayward was lost for the season. It gets better if Ainge can get Kawhi and pair him with Tatum at the other F spot. After the Warriors lost to the Cavs in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, they got Kevin Durant so that they will have an answer for Lebron. Ainge needs to do same. Meaning Ainge has to upgrade the roster. Brown, Tatum, or even Morris can't guard Lebron. Kawhi is the only one who successfully guarded Lebron in an NBA Finals. If the Cavs win another championship this year, Lebron will not leave the Cavs. Celts need an answer for Lebron as Lebron has 2-3 more years of playing at a high level.
Yep, and as the revamped lineup came together after quite a few experiments, Brad decided Brown was best at the 2 spot for his defense and improved shooting which necessitated moving Tatum from the 4 to the 3.
I'd be surprised to see Brad move Brown back to the 3 when Hayward returns. I expect Brown to stay at the 2 and Gordon to emerge as the SF with Tatum returning to PF with Al at C for the majority of starts (BS preferring small ball).
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Post by croc on May 28, 2018 15:33:30 GMT -5
The pressure was just too high for Rozier, Brown, and Smart. There's a reason why guys like Lebron, KD, Curry, Kyrie, and all the other superstars get big money. When we had superstars back in 2008, even Lebron scoring 45 points was not enough. Paul Pierce answered with 41 points. This is just a case of the Celts not having their star player for the playoffs. Again, if Kyrie was playing, there's no way the Cavs would've forced a Game 7. Fierce, you may very well be correct but the pressure wasn't too high for Jayson Tatum for that matter, a 20 year old rookie. How can this pressure be too high for Smart and Rozier, guys with years in the NBA under their belt? How can all three be overwhelmed by the pressure? I can see Rozier or Brown not playing their game, but all three? We didn't need Kyrie last night. I truly believe the guys on the roster were adequate to get the job done. That's why I believe we beat ourselves. Lebron did not. No way the Celtics should lose at home while surrendering 87 points to anyone. Smart made some very good plays including drawing the foul on James. His D was very good. Smart was not overwhelmed. He not a very good shooter. I don't know why they didn't run it down the Cavs throats after they got in early 4Q foul trouble.
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Post by petey62 on May 28, 2018 15:48:08 GMT -5
croc, I don't know why we did not either. Three team fouls in the first 2 minutes and we proceed to continue launching 3-pointers.
We had the lead by one with 5:46 left in the game just before Jeff Green hit a corner 3. From there everyone tried to play hero ball.
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Post by Admin on May 28, 2018 17:13:55 GMT -5
Danny Ainge comments post game 7 ... Regarding the loss: “I felt like it was one of the playoff games that we lost that we should have won. It’s going to propel the players through the offseason.”
Roster Moves: “We’re not looking to make changes other than small tweaks. You don’t know what opportunities will present themselves, but I like this group of guys.”
On talk of trading Kyrie Irving or Gordon Hayward: “I get a kick out of people saying we don’t need them. If this playoff run didn’t show that, I don’t know what does. We’re much better with Kyrie and Gordon.”
Why Kyrie Irving missed Game 7: “He had minor surgery on a deviated septum and was recovering. I don’t think he wanted to be seen in public and ruin his movie career (laughs).”
The roster & paying the luxury tax: “Our ownership group has been willing to pay for a team that has a chance.”
On Tatum: “We expected him to play 20-25 per game off the bench. He obviously did a lot more than that, but he’s just scratching the surface.”
On Hayward’s recovery: “He’s progressing well. He’s playing one-on-one already. Should be able to play full basketball in one to two months.”
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