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Boston Celtics: 4th quarter woes team’s biggest nemesis

By Jason Haskins

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 26: Members of the Boston Celtics react on the bench after a made basket against the Indiana Pacers in the second half at TD Garden on February 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 26: Members of the Boston Celtics react on the bench after a made basket against the Indiana Pacers in the second half at TD Garden on February 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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A wicked dance has been taking place between the Boston Celtics and the fourth quarter of games in the 2020-21 season. One more reminiscent of a middle school dance than the stylized action we’ve grown accustomed do.

The action has been clumsy and frustrating, thrilling and heart-racing, sometimes all in the same game.  It’s fair to say the Celtics have been a mediocre travesty so far this season, where more often than not, fans are reaching for the antacid after another stomach-churning game.

The fourth quarter was a bad dance partner again last Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Lucky for Boston, they were able to fend off a late-rally and pick up a much needed 118-112 victory.

It was the steady hand of Kemba Walker who helped power the Celtics back into the win column. Walker’s 32 points and six assists led the team and, while still dealing with some inconsistent play, has been doing his best to work his way back to all-star form.

Boston (16-17) has three games left before the all-star break and holds the seventh-seed in the Eastern Conference.

Fourth quarter instability for Boston Celtics

Much of their mediocrity can be attributed to fourth quarter woes, especially those leading to close games or straight up losses. One of the more frustrating as of late was the 2/21 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The offense was stagnant and forcing shots as Boston surrendered a 24-point lead and ultimately lost in overtime.

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Credit is partially due to the Pelicans intensity and ferocity in battling back. But a unit made up of Jayson Tatum and reserves that did so well in the second quarter disappeared at the start of the fourth. By time the other starters were back in, any sort of rhythm was lost.

Finding the right mix of players has been on head coach Brad Stevens’ agenda all season, leading to some of the falloff in play during the fourth. Rotations, much like the rest of the team, can be better with more consistency and there are glimpses of the Celtics achieving this. Robert Williams III is coming off a 14-point, 11-rebound performance against the Pacers. Williams added four assists and three blocked shots and has earned the right to be on the court at the end of games.

Rotation play is only part of the equation, however, as the Celtics look to right the ship. As gut-wrenching and woeful as the fourth quarter has been — and to some extend, the entire second-half of games — the Celtics produced much better results in the early-going.

Boston Celtics in search of fourth quarter consistency

Boston started the season 8-3 and, in games which the Celtics entered the fourth quarter tied or in the lead, went 7-0.

Since that blistering start, Boston is only 8-5 in such occasions. Not horrible, but also not what one wants to see. To make matters worse, four of those five losses have come by five points or less. Finding the mentality to close out these games is a must and the majority of the time a difference between a championship-caliber squad and one watching from the outside.

The Celtics would be wise to bring the same type of intensity like they did in a four-minute stretch towards the end of their game against the Dallas Mavericks. While Boston ultimately lost, there were signs of life in the team that hadn’t displayed as of late.

A similar mindset could be used when Boston trails entering the fourth quarter. Some of that is due to coming out flat after halftime. But in 13 games in which the team has trailed entering the fourth quarter, the Celtics are 1-12. Six of those losses were by ten points or more, three between six and nine points, and three others less than five.

That’s seven games in which the Celtics lost by five points or less. Imagine if they had won all seven. Boston would have a 23-10 record and a top spot in the East.

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Optimism points to the Celtics poised to string together a winning streak, especially if Marcus Smart returns soon after after the all-star break. Pragmatism looks at this Boston team and currently sees that the instinct to finish out ballgames is missing. If they can find a stronger mentality soon? Lookout. And if not? Well, Boston’s season will end like most middle school dances: early and disappointing.

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