What Are the Real Early-Season Concerns for the Struggling Celtics?

Unraveling the Early-Season Struggles of the Boston Celtics: A Reality Check

The 2023-24 season has seen the Boston Celtics soar as the best team in basketball. However, the exhilaration of this early success has recently been tempered by recurring issues. While the Celtics began with a formidable 8-2 record, their performance has hit a rough patch, drawing concern from fans and experts alike.

Over the last 10 days, the Celtics have encountered significant obstacles, enduring a 3-2 record in their last five games, including an overtime loss in Charlotte and a decisive defeat in Orlando. The team’s invincibility is fading as they confront a series of stumbling blocks during a road-heavy stretch early in the season.

The grueling schedule has seen the Celtics play 10 road games in just 30 days. In the midst of this taxing period, the team has also struggled with injuries, leaving the roster rarely at full strength. While some of the Celtics’ struggles are circumstantial, they have also been plagued by recurring bad habits, leading to questions about the team’s current standing and future prospects.

A recurring pattern throughout their recent games has been the Celtics’ inability to maintain double-digit leads, with the team surrendering significant advantages in each of their last six games. The lack of a consistent level of play and the inability to sustain their performance have raised concerns about their ability to navigate critical moments within games.

Another area of concern is the Celtics’ usage of timeouts during opponents’ runs. Many have questioned Coach Joe Mazzulla’s approach, with the team often failing to halt opposing momentum during critical junctures.

Additionally, the team’s struggles with securing defensive rebounds and capitalizing on second-chance points have proven to be a major challenge, especially during their recent road trip. The lack of pure size in the lineup has raised questions about the team’s ability to compete against larger opponents.

Furthermore, the Celtics’ tendency to rely heavily on isolation plays, especially during opponent rallies, has raised concerns about their offensive approach, with calls for a more decisive and faster style of play from their star players.

The team’s struggles with turnovers, their bench depth, and their ability to force opponents into defensive miscues have also been recurring issues of concern in recent games.

As the dust settles on the Celtics’ early-season struggles, it’s clear that their recent setbacks are raising pressing questions about the team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain their early-season form. While the Celtics’ potent lineup and underlying talent offer promise, their struggles highlight the need for critical adjustments and improvements in various aspects of their game to ensure sustained success as the season progresses.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.