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Boston Celtics might have a problem with struggling teams

By Alan Nahigian

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 03: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on January 03, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Ian Maule/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 03: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on January 03, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Ian Maule/Getty Images) /
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As the NBA season continues to move along, the Boston Celtics are still a favorite to potentially win a championship.

The Celtics have the highest winning percentage in the NBA, sitting at .684. They seem to show up for most of the big games against teams like Milwaukee, Phoenix, Dallas, etc.

But when they get a game against a struggling team, they seem to just change. It just looks like they’re disinterested, don’t really care, kind of take the games for granted if you will.

So I might have to be the brave one to say it. I think the Boston Celtics might just have themselves a problem with struggling teams.

The Boston Celtics struggled mightily against the Orlando Magic

One of the surprising points of the season was when the Celtics lost back to back games in December…at home!

The first matchup was a 117-109 loss that seemed closer in the box score than it actually was live. It was a game in which the Celtics watched Paolo Banchero and Moritz Wagner combine for 45 points.

Yeah, it was cool to see Robert Williams back in action. But that was probably the best highlight of the whole night.

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Then to make matters worse, the Celtics lose AGAIN to the Magic at home. I was in attendance for both of these games and it was so painful to watch the second one. Even worse than the first one! Why? The Celtics were actually in that game and looked like they were going to take care of business.

But Banchero had other ideas, putting up 31 points in a 95-92 win for the Magic. He hit every big shot possible. The Celtics didn’t put enough pressure on him throughout the course of the game. That’s part of the reason they lost back to back games to a struggling Magic team.

The Boston Celtics got BLOWN OUT in Oklahoma City

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 56 points, but it wasn’t enough to get by the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday night.

The Thunder took care of the Celtics easily 150-117. Yes you read that correctly. 150 points given up by the Celtics defense!

Five Thunder players scored over 20 points in last night’s game. It was another example of where the defense looked confused, out of sorts, and disinterested. With the Thunder shooting nearly 60% from the field and 50% from three point land, the Celtics didn’t have a chance.

It was an absolute embarrassment to watch this team play. Hopefully, it will motivate them in their next few road games.

The bottom line with the Boston Celtics struggles against mediocre teams

This can’t happen if you’re a team on the verge of a championship run.

Next. C's must level up to overcome shooting slumps. dark

Games that are against inferior opponents need to be won. It’s very simple.

Those three games I mentioned could be the difference between a one seed or two seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Just get the job done against these mediocre teams. It’s not that hard. Joe Mazzulla will hopefully find a way to get this group refocused and organized. Cause when this is team is at its best, they can beat everyone in the NBA!

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