Boston Celtics: The Time for Playoff Mindset is Now
The Boston Celtics got back in the win column on Saturday, but even in victory their performance left something to be desired.
It was a long week in Beantown for the Boston Celtics. A blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavs and a near-blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks had the Celtics in a semi-tailspin.
In one-half on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets, the Celtics turned it around and looked like a team ready for a long playoff run.
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They were knocking down shots, playing hard-nosed defense, and Al Horford was playing inspired ball. The first-half saw the Celtics race to a 71-54 lead.
Then the second-half rolled around and the bottom seemingly fell out as the Celtics used a late spurt to win 121-114.
Isaiah Thomas had 32 points in the victory while Horford finished with 16 points and 7 assists. Kelly Olynyk, filling in for a flu-ridden Amir Johnson, had 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.
While it was a good sign for this team to respond and hold off the Hornets, the question remains: Are the Celtics ready for prime time playoff basketball?
Great players and teams are able to flip a switch come playoff time. They are able to find ways to increase their consistency and energy, all while intensifying their efficiency. Fans see it in teams like the San Antonio Spurs or–closer to home–LeBron James and the Cavs.
The Celtics witnessed it firsthand in last week’s loss to the Cavs. A lackluster performance helped contribute to that loss, as it did in three quarters of the game versus the Hawks.
If Boston continues to struggle on defense and can’t find that next level of play, it’s going to be another short postseason.
Riding Momentum and Consistency to the Playoffs
Two games are left in the regular season. The Celtics are looking to finish strong not only for momentum, but for seeding as well.
Keeping at least the second seed in the Eastern Conference should be near the top of their priority list. Almost unthinkable a week ago, Boston’s hiccups last week brought them back to the pack (albeit only slightly).
At 51-29, the Celtics still hold a 1.5 game lead over Toronto with two games left to play. A victory by Boston over Brooklyn on Monday would guarantee the Celtics the second seed.
Despite their two losses last week, Boston and Cleveland have identical records in vying for the top seed. The Cavs have two games left on the docket, but own the tiebreaker by taking the season series over Boston.
If the Celtics don’t find their rhythm and end up as the third seed, a first-round match-up with Milwaukee awaits. I see them matching up better with Indiana, Chicago, or Miami (all fighting for seeds seven and eight) than the upstart Bucks.
Another key this week is keeping the team healthy. Johnson and James Young both missed Saturday’s game and Avery Bradley has been battling an illness for a few weeks now. Let’s hope it doesn’t continue to spread through the clubhouse, like it’s currently doing with the Boston Red Sox.
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Finding that next gear come playoff teams is one aspect separating World Championship teams from the also-rans. If the Celtics fail to once again get out of the first-round, failing to level up prior to the playoffs can be pointed to as a reason.
The Celtics know that. Now, it’s time for them to put their talent on full display for the world to see.