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Boston Celtics: Concern sets in following blowout loss to Cavs

By Dylan Woods

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics complains about a call during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on April 1, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 01: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics complains about a call during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on April 1, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics delivered another uninspiring performance against the Cavaliers on Sunday. On Paul Pierce’s night, the C’s looked nothing like a championship team.

For the entire month of January, the Cavaliers were the story of the NBA. Awful defense, off court drama, and nonexistent chemistry made Cleveland one of the worst teams in the league. The Boston Celtics were getting NBA Finals buzz and it looked like the green were finally ready to rule the East.

A lot can change in one day.

The Cavaliers came in to Boston on Sunday and beat the Celtics 121-99. Before Paul Pierce’s retirement ceremony, the new-look Cavs showed that they are the favorite once again. Isaiah Thomas calling out Kevin Love and blowout losses on national TV seem like they happened last season. The poison was taken out.

A New Eastern Conference

Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, and George Hill all played better than Isaiah Thomas or Jae Crowder ever did for the Cavs. Hill summed it up best when he said “[LeBron] is Batman and we’ve got to be all Robins.” Thomas, Crowder, and even Derrick Rose never wanted to be Robin. With these pieces, LeBron has the core he wants: above-average players that can shoot and stay out of his way.

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This is not good news for the Celtics. All day, LeBron and the Cavs got whatever shot they wanted. Cleveland looks rejuvenated while Boston look dull.

Kyrie Irving is going through a major slump, but at least he has a future in the construction business. Greg Monroe has contributed almost nothing in three games. Right now, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown aren’t good enough on a day-to-day basis.

During their toughest stretch of the season opponent-wise, the Celtics have brought nothing to the table. In the past week, the Celtics have gone 2-3 all against current playoff teams. They looked awful and uninspired in the losses. In the wins, Portland had a lead with five minutes to play and Washington was one call away from a win. Boston has not looked good against a quality team since the game in Denver two weeks ago.

Today’s game reminded me of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In what is still Isaiah Thomas’ last game in Boston, Cleveland got rid of any doubt that the Boston Celtics were the better team. The same thing happened this afternoon. With the moves they made, LeBron and the Cavs are the favorite in the East.

To have any hope of making the NBA Finals, the Celtics cannot rely on a Cavs implosion. WIth the recent trades, they are now the inferior team.

After the All-Star break, Boston needs to get their energy back. We need to see the same team that made comeback wins against Houston and Golden State. We need to see the same team that won in the last minute in Indiana and Brooklyn.

Next: Boston Celtics: At NBA trade deadline, Danny Ainge stays true to his style

The Boston Celtics are in need of some Leprechaun Luck.

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