So, the Celtics season ended with an ugly loss last night. Since there were many issues throughout the season; Game 7 mimicked their 2022-23 season.
Celtics Season Ended With an Ugly Loss
When the team advanced for a second year in a row against the Miami Heat; I had a lot of hope that this team would be in the NBA Finals for the 2nd consecutive year. Check out my Celtics Advance to the Eastern Conference Finals post to learn more about this series.
After being down 0 – 3 to the Heat; the team fought back to even the series 3 -3. But, even with their historical comeback; they were unable to close out the series.
At the end of the first period, the Celtics were trailing the Heat by 7 points.
Also, in the first quarter, Jayson Tatum was on his way to the hoop and landed on one of Miami’s players. Although Tatum had his ankle checked and treated early in the game; he was limping throughout the game.
In addition, Jaylen Brown turned the ball over 8 times.
And, each quarter, the Heat widened their margin. For example, in the first quarter, the Celtics attempted eight 3-point shots and weren’t able to convert on one shot.
With them falling behind early, the game was never even close.
Final score 103 – 84.
Celtics Season Ended – Takeaway From Loss
In my opinion, one of the biggest issues I saw at the beginning of the game was the missed shots, turnovers, and lack of defense. For instance, last year this team had a stellar defense. However, this year, this wasn’t present throughout most of the games.
At the same time, Marcus Smart was last year’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, however this year, he was considered to be average in defense. So, what happened? One of the biggest takeaways is their prior Coach, Ime Udoka was big on defense and Joe Mazzulla was more about offense.
Moreover, last year the team wasn’t as good offensively. So, the question is what is more important – defense or offense?
Although Mazzulla was able to get the team back to the Eastern Conference Finals; he wasn’t able to get the team to the finals.
Indeed, a good defense can help keep their opponent from scoring a lot of points. But, on the flip side, a strong offense puts up a lot of points but doesn’t necessarily keep the opposing team from putting up a lot of points.
At the end of the day; I think the team needed a better balance.
Ultimately, their lack of consistency was one of the biggest downfalls of this season.
The Offseason has Arrived
Although Jaylen Brown is eligible for a $295 million contractual extension after making the second All-NBA team this season; there are question marks on whether he will remain with the Celtics.
After the game, Tatum said he thinks it is essential for the Celtics to keep Brown. He feels not only is Brown good on both defense and offense, but he is still young. Of course, Brown can only get better with age and more experience.
Before the 2022-23 season started, the Celtics were the favorite to win the NBA Title. So, what happened? Between the Celtics suspending Udoka for a year before the season started and filling his shoes with first-year coach, Joe Mazzulla; there was a huge difference in coaching styles between the two.
Meanwhile, now that the team isn’t headed to the NBA Finals; they will have plenty of time to think about what went wrong.
What changes do you think the team needs to make in the offseason? Will they break up the J’s – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown? Who will stay? Who will go? Do they need better coaching? Better defensive players? Better offensive players and three-point shooters?
Certainly, Brad Stevens will have to think about how they didn’t play well against the Atlanta Hawks and almost lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the earlier rounds.
Finally, there will have to be some moves made in the offseason based on their play throughout the 2022-23 season.
As always, I welcome your comments on the Celtics Season.
