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Boston Celtics have no urgency when it comes to playoff seeding

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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When the Boston Celtics are locked in and play their type of basketball, they are a hard team to beat.  When they aren’t locked in, that ugly loss against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night is the result.

Another worst game of the season, another one of those losses against a sub .500 team that will end up being the difference between the No. 1 and No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.  With how good Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and them boys are when they are clicking on all cylinders, seeding may not matter, they better hope not.

So, on a night when the Wizards didn’t have Bradley Beal or Kyle Kuzma, how did a team that is tanking blow out a team prepping for a NBA Finals run to the score of 130-111? How did a team with no playoff hopes run a team battling for the No. 1 seed off the court?

Two words: No urgency.

Boston Celtics lack energy and urgency in games they should win

While bad shooting nights happen, the lack of defense and lack of urgency was not a good look for Joe Mazzula and his team.  Chalk it up to a bad shooting night all you want, a hungry basketball team with one of the best players in the league in Tatum should’ve found a way to take care of Kristaps Porzingis and the Wizards, especially with their full complement of players.

"“It was just one of those nights,” Mazzulla said following the game, via Masslive.com.  “Very rarely has that happened to our team, just one of those off nights.”"

If it wasn’t for a list of other “off nights,” I’d give that one to you Joe, but it comes down to not showing up against the teams they know they can beat.  It comes down to Tatum not taking over the game.  It comes down to Brown having a bad shooting night after a 41-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs, it comes down to a lack of energy, a lack of defensive effort, a lack of wanting that No. 1 seed…and it simply comes down to not playing their best basketball consistently down the stretch.

"“You have to be honest with yourself, we weren’t playing well,” Tatum said.  “I was one of those nights, you have to take it on the chin.”"

In all, the shrug shoulder approach doesn’t sit well if you are a fan of this Boston Celtics squad.  They can beat any team, anywhere when they have everything rolling and bring the energy.  But, they can also lose to any team, anywhere when their shot is not falling.  That last part is what needs to change.  When it is not happening, make it happen.  You want a championship, go out and get it.

Next. Joe Mazzulla won’t be reason C’s don’t win title. dark

Whether its coaching, some sort of issue in the locker room or simple boredom, the right buttons aren’t being pushed.  Come playoff time, they better figure it out and hope their season doesn’t come down to a Game 7 in Milwaukee.

If it does, the Boston Celtics better prove the seeding doesn’t matter.

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