Brad Stevens: Boston Celtics ‘Can Build Off’ Loss to Hawks

With no sense of urgency, the Boston Celtics loss their second consecutive game Thursday night to the Atlanta Hawks.

Wednesday’s embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly has the Boston Celtics looking like the team in turmoil.

Entering Thursday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics were looking to get back on the winning tract, but looked just as lifeless and uninspired as they did against the Cavaliers.

Boston trailed by as many as 20 points before rallying back in the fourth quarter.  Despite the near comeback, the 123-116 loss exposed more of the team’s defensive deficiencies as well as their offensive deficiencies.  The Celtics shot a woeful 38.8 percent throughout the game.

With their struggles these least two games, the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference suddenly finds themselves battling to hold on from falling down the standings.  Head coach Brad Stevens, although disappointed, found some encouragement in the loss.

"“This is, sometimes you feel like you found something in a loss,” Stevens said following the game, via CSNNE.com.  “I feel like we can build off this one.  Last night (to Cleveland)? No.”“I thought some different combinations played well.  We guarded, competed at the end of the game to get ourselves back in it.”"

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The issue with the Celtics entering the playoffs is that they shouldn’t have been in the position to have to claw their way back.  If they continue to play this type of basketball, it will be an early exit in the playoffs once again.

With a game-high 35 points in a losing effort, Isaiah Thomas recognizes his team’s struggles, but knows they have to keep their heads up and now get too down on themselves.

"“These last few games we’ve been going through it a little bit,” Thomas told reporters.  “But we’re not going to panic.  We’re just going to keep fighting.”"

With four games left in the regular season, the Boston Celtics have to get their acts together quick.  If fact, they better get their acts together or a promising season will turn into a disappointing one in the drop of a dime.

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The Boston Celtics will next travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets Saturday night.