Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of followers throughout the NBA. All year long we ask questions of probably the most plugged-in Boston Celtics followers and followers throughout the nation. Enroll right here to take part within the weekly emailed surveys.
This week we requested Celtics followers simply how fearful they had been in regards to the workforce. On the time they had been 5-5 of their final 10. Now they’re 8-7 of their final 15 video games, so not a lot has modified.
The vast majority of followers indicated that they’re reasonably involved, and I believe that appears about proper.
They’re nonetheless the defending champs and have definitely proven indicators of their dominance. In truth, they’re working at about final yr’s win tempo.
However one thing simply appears a bit …off with the workforce because the begin of December.
The Celtics are 8-7 of their final 15 video games
In that span, Boston ranks fifth in offense and 4th in protection
However in 4th quarters throughout that span, Boston ranks eighth in offense and twenty sixth in protection
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) January 11, 2025
We additionally requested followers in regards to the purpose for the workforce’s struggles, and most answered that it has to do with a scarcity of depth or focus.
I can’t say that that is altogether shocking. Prior variations of this workforce had a maddening inconsistency that at all times appeared associated to both focus or following by means of with effort for a full 48 minutes. Final yr’s workforce appeared to energy by means of the conventional let-down video games (like say the primary recreation residence after a protracted highway journey). This yr’s workforce doesn’t look as sharp game-in and game-out.
Issues may definitely stage out. The workforce is on tempo to win 58 video games and their remaining power of schedule is third best in keeping with Tankathon. So there’s an opportunity that this workforce can end with the same file to final yr’s workforce and hit the bottom working within the playoffs.
Ultimately, all that will likely be remembered is the playoff outcomes. Nonetheless, many instances these outcomes are a direct results of the habits shaped throughout the common season. So this workforce in all probability wants to determine how you can recapture no matter drove them final season.
