Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of followers throughout the NBA. All year long we ask questions of probably the most plugged-in Boston Celtics followers and followers throughout the nation. Join right here to take part within the weekly emailed surveys.
This week we requested Celtics followers simply how anxious they have been concerning the staff. On the time they have been 5-5 of their final 10. Now they’re 8-7 of their final 15 video games, so not a lot has modified.
The vast majority of followers indicated that they’re reasonably involved, and I believe that appears about proper.
They’re nonetheless the defending champs and have actually proven indicators of their dominance. In truth, they’re operating at about final yr’s win tempo.
However one thing simply appears a bit …off with the staff for the reason that begin of December.
The Celtics are 8-7 of their final 15 video games
In that span, Boston ranks fifth in offense and 4th in protection
However in 4th quarters throughout that span, Boston ranks eighth in offense and twenty sixth in protection
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) January 11, 2025
We additionally requested followers concerning the cause for the staff’s struggles, and most answered that it has to do with an absence of depth or focus.
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I can’t say that that is altogether stunning. Prior variations of this staff had a maddening inconsistency that all the time appeared associated to both focus or following by way of with effort for a full 48 minutes. Final yr’s staff appeared to energy by way of the conventional let-down video games (like say the primary sport dwelling after a protracted highway journey). This yr’s staff doesn’t look as sharp game-in and game-out.
Issues may actually stage out. The staff is on tempo to win 58 video games and their remaining power of schedule is third best in keeping with Tankathon. So there’s an opportunity that this staff can end with an identical report to final yr’s staff and hit the bottom operating within the playoffs.
Ultimately, all that shall be remembered is the playoff outcomes. Nonetheless, many occasions these outcomes are a direct results of the habits shaped throughout the common season. So this staff most likely wants to determine find out how to recapture no matter drove them final season.
