I can offer no single cause of the Celtics 0-3 start against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Finals this past post-season. But I doubt Boston fans will see the same again this season.
At least to me, it took a chewing out by owner, Wic Grousbeck, to right the ship and get his team to even the series at 3-3. I can't rid myself of the feeling that the guys-in-green had the ability to win all along, but for some elusive reason(s), they simply did not have the desire, intensity, drive (pick one, or add your own) to go all the way to get out of the East.
The current version of the Boston Celtics seems ready. Despite being "only preseason", versus the Knicks, Joe Mazzulla put out a starting-5 that we should see often when the regular season gets underway. Jayson Tatum looked like a true MVP candidate. He fought his way to the hoop - even playing a bit of "bully ball". And his complaining after calls and no-calls has diminished.
Kristaps Porzingis has looked really good in preseason play, and Payton Pritchard may even be discussed in Sixth-Man-Of-The-Year talk by the end of this campaign. I remain thrilled with the addition of Jrue Holiday. He fits anywhere. And for the bench crew, Joe Mazzulla will be trying for more player development while still going for home court advantage in the playoffs.
Brad Stevens seems focused on Banner 18 - Joe Mazzulla looks confident and ready - and the new coaching additions will surely have a positive effect on this season's outcome. And finally, add a touch of luck (always needed) and I doubt Boston fans will see a repeat of the regrettable ending of the 2022-23 campaign.
Comments
Post a Comment