Boston Celtics added yet another loss to their woeful season. In a relatively easier Eastern Conference, they have not been able to produce the performances that were expected. The likes of Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum have not yet found their feet.
In their most recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, there were more than a few defensive frailties on display. During the course of the four quarters, the Celtics were not able to identify tactics and prevent the opposition from scoring freely.
In the post-game analysis, Shaquille O’Neal ripped into the gross incompetence shown by the Boston Outfit. He said, “I don’t want to use the word disappointed. I just think that there is something else going on. This game we play, the simpler you make it, the easier it becomes. They have to identify whose team it is. I don’t take that lightly.”
He continued, “They have to identify who the second punch is, and the other have to know their roles. Even in 2006 when I went to Miami, we knew who was getting the ball in which quarter. Due to that, we flourished. In this team, I think there is a struggle between identifying what everyone’s role is. They need to have a meeting in order to sort that out.”
The Boston Celtics succumb to relentless pressure
The Philadelphia 76ers had a relatively easy victory over the Celtics on Tuesday night. They did not let the Celtics dominate possession and capitalized on turnovers. Jayson Tatum was the pick of the players as he finished with 20 points to his name. He also racked up 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid was the star of the show. He revitalized his MVP bid by scoring a match-winning 35 points for his side. Apart from that, he also went to get six rebounds and one assist.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 6: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers is defended by Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics
The Celtics were looking to make it three wins out of three for the first time since February. However, a lackluster performance prevented that from happening. Coach Brad Stevens has to look for a quick way out of this rut.
The Boston Celtics are eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. At the moment, they lie squarely in contention for the playoffs. However, they have the New Orleans Pelicans breathing down their neck. That is why they would want to avoid any unnecessary slip-ups from now until the end of the season.
