Boston Celtics: Why there is reason for excitement after loss to Knicks

Sunday’s loss to the New York Knicks was disappointing, to say the least. There is no reason for the Boston Celtics to get blown out by a team of New York’s caliber. Still, Sunday wasn’t all bad for the C’s.

Boston was demolished by the Knicks 105-75. It truly was some terrible basketball from the C’s.

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Julius Randle had a double-double for New York while Jaylen Brown once again had another great performance. The problem is that no one else really showed up for the C’s.

Depth has always been a problem for the Celtics. It was an issue that reared its head down in the bubble and in the 2020 playoffs.

At least in 2021, things are starting to get better. Payton Pritchard, Jeff Teague, Grant Williams, and Semi Ojeleye have stepped up this year. Also Brown and Jayson Tatum are on their way to having the best seasons of their careers.

Kemba Walker’s return on Sunday should excite Boston Celtics fans.

But Boston was still missing a piece. They needed another guy who could come in and win games with clutch shots. As much as Brown and Tatum have progressed, they could still use some help.

On Sunday they got some as Kemba Walker made his return to the court. In 20 minutes he racked up nine points and four assists.

Those numbers won’t make you think that Boston is on their way to a championship, but Walker’s comments after the game should get ‘green teamers’ excited.

"“Today when I’m out there, I’m making the moves I normally make and I don’t feel anything and it’s joy. I’m excited. I put in a lot of work. I really attacked my rehab to get where I’m at, and I want to continue to build off this and just try to stay healthy. That’s the most important thing.”"

With Walker returning to the starting five, Boston will have a much deeper team and plenty of options. They can move Marcus Smart to the bench or they can play some small ball and have Grant Williams be a part of the second unit.

But having Walker on the court will help Boston immensely. He is a player that can be relied on to win games and make the clutch shots that can change a team’s season.

If Walker can mesh well with Brown and Tatum, Boston has a chance to win a championship this season. Brown and Tatum were playing great without Walker. The question is will they be able to perform at such a high level when Walker returns?

So it’s not time to freak out over one game. Kemba Walker is back and that will make the Boston Celtics an even better team. The rest of the Eastern Conference should watch out.