Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
It’s the second straight game Boston lost after leading by double digits in the fourth quarter, with each defeat coming at the hands of a point guard scoring in bunches.
Actually, it’s three games in a row that has happened. In Boston’s win at Chicago, Aaron Brooks almost single-handedly brought the Bulls back in that game before Boston ultimately sealed the win with some timely stops and clutch free throws.
Much like success in the fourth quarter of games, Celtics players were searching for answers as to why they have been unable to close out teams.
“I’m frustrated by it,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. “I want to be better at it.”
The last two games serve as reminders as to the value of playing games out from start to finish with minimal let-up in between.
“You’ve got to play all 48 (minutes),” Stevens said. “You’ve got to be great all 48 against this team. And it’s not the same against everybody, but you still have to be on your A-game the whole time.”
We are witnessing the growing pains of a young team. It’s immensely frustrating, but this is part of the process.
It’s one thing for Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk to develop their offensive games, it’s another to expect them to close games. (Forget Jeff Green, especially when he’s guarded by LeBron)
I want the C’s to feed Sullinger in the 4th quarter. He has double-doubles in his last 2 games and 3 in his last 5. He’s averaging 15.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 3.6 apg over that stretch, yet I feel like he’s not impacting games.
The Globe’s Gary Washburn sheds light on the final play drawn up by Brad Stevens:
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the final play was designed for Jeff Green, whom the Celtics faithful have been practically begging to take the mantle of primary scorer for the past two years. On the final play, Green was supposed to be guarded by Shawn Marion, but Kyrie Irving astutely called for a switch before the inbounds pass, and LeBron James moved to Green.
While Rondo dribbled, Green ran toward the right corner, and in the waning seconds he jogged toward Rondo. He was far too tardy. The Celtics lost because no one stepped up as a viable option for Rondo, and with the Celtics in the bonus, James wasn’t blanketing Green, wary of the backdoor, allowing Green to roam toward the perimeter.
As for Rondo botching the final play last night:
“I lost the ball. I lost the ball,” Rondo said afterward. “I give them credit they played good defense. I lost the ball and I didn’t get a shot off in time.”
Naturally, the critics surfaced:
Last night’s Celts game is why Rondo is not the future. The Celts have no one to take the final shot. @CSNEarlyEdition
— Gary Tanguay (@Gary_Tanguay) November 15, 2014
I’m not defending Rondo for last night’s gaffe. I think I was pretty stern in the recap.
But here’s a news flash to people like Tanguay, it’s Danny Ainge’s job to find the next closer. And when he does (hopefully this off-season or the next), that guy is going to need someone like Rondo to get him the ball.
One other note about the point guards who have torched us over the past few games, where is Avery Bradley’s defense? Is it me or has there been a noticeable drop-off and increase in stupid fouls?
Related: ESPN Boston – No more victories | Rondo loses ball | WEEI – Stevens takes responsibility
On Page 2, KG being KG.
Looooool “@NBASlander: God bless him. RT @Steve_OS: KG being KG… https://t.co/95Ywfx9x3Q” — Andrew Doxy (@drewbeatz11) November 15, 2014
Gotta fight for every inch.
The rest of the links:
Herald – Channeling inner Gronkowski | Boston still on Blatt’s map | James, Celtics linked in history | Irving wins point guard duel | Globe – James has way to go before he’s the greatest
