THE KNIGHT'S NOTES: Analysis of an "almost" comeback loss to Spurs

 

     1st Quarter 

     Cold As Ice To Start Again 

     Early on we saw a true lack of energy on both ends of the floor. Very slow defensively, hands were not active at all. On offense there were way to many one and done possessions. Shots were not falling at all, the frustration on that end led to lazy, effortless defense. It's early, but this is no way to start a long road trip. Currently speaking Celtics are playing mediocre ball at best. Until that changes it will be a long season. 

     Who Will Carry This Team 

     Calling Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, what is with this come out with no energy on either end as a team? The true greats do not allow this kind of play to seep into any game. Even in games they struggle, they find ways to make things happen. Going forward tonight and next game we need to see that out of these two studs who are both capable of true greatness.

Celtics trail 30-14, how does an NBA team only score 14 points in a quarter. Truly this is unacceptable, hopefully they will get it together come the second.

     2nd Quarter 

     75 Years Of Celtics Tradition not on display tonight. 

     Already into the second and still no improvement on the floor. Lackluster play continues on both ends of the court. When you wear the Green and White, your putting on the history and brotherhood of this organization. There is a true pride when you play for the Celtics and right now it's not there. Each player needs to check themselves and decide - are they going to Bleed Green on that court. Until that happens this will be the product we see. 

     There is time to make a comeback 

     With 7:26 left in the second quarter, there is still time left to get into this ball game. Where does it start - oh I don't know DEFENSE! We have witnessed that when they get down and dirty on D they can do anything. When you put the hard work and effort into D, it translates on the offensive end. Which after a few stops we saw back to back to back threes. Lead is beginning to shrink. 

Celtics trail at the half 52-37, when they did make their run it started on D, the offense followed suit. Time to regroup and prepare for a big third. Come on guys get it together. 

    3rd Quarter 

    Much Better Effort to start this quarter

    There was a much more focused effort on D in the third, the switches were much crisper. There were still a few lapses but the effort is being sustained. Offensively there was much better movement, yet still some points left on the court. If they can put together some more effective sets the lead will go away. 

     Tatum and Brown showed that effort 

     After speaking about what was expected of these two studs, they finally started to play up to that level. Much more concerted effort on both ends of the floor. Taking and making their shots with a few misses along the way, getting to the hoop, cutting, and hitting some outside shots. 

Celtics trail 70-63, they are building towards making this comeback. It's going to be about heart, defense and bleeding green in the fourth. 

    4th Quarter 

    Coming out to go and grab that win 

     The start of the fourth is going against the grain. Usually it's sluggish and slow for this group. Not right now, so far the defensive intensity is strong! Now the question becomes can they finish the job?! Playing great D has led to transition points. GWill getting on the floor and ripping the ball away shows the heart is there. At 8:05 the Celtics grabbed their first lead. 

     Bleeding Green and Celtic Pride 

     Marcus Smart diving on the floor saving the possession for the Celtics in the fourth helped continue to build the momentum in Bostons favor. JT started to carry this team like the greats should, hitting his shots, and even following a miss for two. He seems to have a knack for coming up big vs the Spurs. 

Celtics lose to the Spurs after making a great comeback. Unfortunately they couldn't score at the end of the game. Is there a silver lining? I'd say yes, they fought hard to get back into the game yet ultimately fell short. The growing pains of a young team. 

     Side Note: This writer so wants to believe in this team as one that can be a player in the East. After they grabbed the lead tonight I was hoping they could close it out. Didn't happen, but that won't waver what I feel this team can be. Sunday needs to be a resounding win.