Disappointment from last year remains in place with Celtics 115-83 trouncing by Toronto

      Random Thoughts - First Half

     Al Horfords impact was felt like the cool wind on a hot day. Blocking shots, dunking the rock, and just being the true professional he is. The double big with him and RWill is a nice weapon to have out there. 

      RWill can honestly do it all. Blocking shots, slamming alley oops, he's a human eraser. He cuts hard, and gave up his body with reckless abandon. He's a stat machine, and honestly if he can keep this energy going,  should be a great game for him. 

     JRich had a nice impact on the floor knocking down threes and bringing that swag, bringing a hard nosed attitude.. Dennis Schroder is a pest and Celtics fans love it. Now that he's on the right team, you see how good he really is. He's going to drive other teams nuts!

     It wasn't all good. Defensive intensity was lacking - way too many turnovers. The Raptors had their way and the Celtics needed to push back and didn't. I want to see the Celtics get in the Raptors face and shut them down.

     Jayson Tatum came to play - knocking down threes, going to the hoop strong, falling away with that silky smooth shot. His runner is a shot to keep in his arsenal. He wasn't himself opening night, but tonight he's right! He's gonna keep it rolling. 

    An extra special thought is how seeing those Celtic greats was super special. 75 years of Celtics memories is basketball heaven. 

     Random Thoughts - Second Half .   

     Early on, there were too many threes, This team go to the hoop more. The refs made some horrible calls. Van Fleet flops and JT got a tech, followed up by a foul on the Wolverine. These refs would be driving Tommy Heinsohn crazy!

     Al made a huge impact once again. Backing guys down with the and one. He found Rob Williams, blocked Anynoby. He does all the little things that are most important for success. 

     Overall, the 3rd quarter was an absolute disaster. This writer was watching this quarter with hope and it turned into frustration. Not a good start for your first home game. 

     At first, Jayson came to play. Hitting shots than an alley oop to Jaylen Brown. Yet after that, he seemed to be very quiet. Overall this team seemed to just fade away

Rough night.... Officiating was terrible but can't let it take you out of the game. Let's hope these are just growing pains. New coach, new system and a bunch of new guys.

— StrengthIN#S (@StrengthinS) October 23, 2021

.      Label this writer as disappointed by tonight's outcome. I expected a dominant team but got what we saw from last year. After 75 years of Celtics basketball, this is what we get? Come on fellas, get it going!