01/31/10 | Inability to Close Games: Celtics Blow Another Late Lead, Lose to Lakers Quickly becoming a theme for this Boston Celtics’ team is their inability to close out games. Two years ago, in their championship season, give the Celtics a lead at halftime, and the team would build upon it in the third and close out the game in the fourth quarter. Even last season and in the playoffs against top teams, the Celtics were able to finish games. Unfortunately, the Celtics are just 12th in the league in 3rd quarter score margin, and 21st in the league in their 4th quarter margin. On average, the Celtics gain a half a point on their opponents in the third quarter. Essentially, the team wins the quarter by 0.5 points, on average. In the fourth quarter, however, the C’s average point differential is -0.5, or they lose the fourth quarter by an average of 0.5 points. The Celtics are not putting teams away in the third (a point differential of 0.5 points won’t cut it) and are losing ground in the fourth. This team is unable to play with a lead. Over the past three games (Magic, Hawks and Lakers), the Celtics have lost the fourth quarter by an average of 6.7 points, or 3+ possessions. [Read Full Story...]
|
|
Welcome to New England Sports Online
A unique mix of news, opinionated blogs, satirical articles and a radio talk show.
Sports Betting Tips! Help Yourself On Gameday
|
13.5g Poker Chips Secure Your Liverpool Tickets Online Now |
01/19/10 | Intensity, Passion and Defense: Fixing the Boston Celtics A common question I hear being tossed around local radio stations and television networks is “Are the Celtics out?” In other words, can the C’s retain the dominance which they had previously held over the NBA, just a few weeks ago? In a word: yes. People forget that the Celtics are missing their defensive leader, Kevin Garnett. Atop his absence is Paul Pierce’s injury. Pierce is playing, but his knee still is not 100%, affecting his ability to drive to the basket. Apparent in his play, Paul Pierce’s 1st half performances have been regularly better than his second half performances, as he seems far less explosive in quarters 3 and 4. [Read Full Story...] Tired of Explorer?
Try Firefox for a proper internet experience! |
