Boston Celtics: Doc Rivers Makes Smart Move by Hitting Celtics with Strong Words

After winning five consecutive games and seven of the team's last eight, the Paul Pierce-led Boston Celtics have lost two games in a row heading into the final stretch of the season.

To put in the lightest of terms, after a 93-86 to a Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls team Thursday, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers was livid.

According to ESPN Boston's Chris Forsberg, this is what the veteran head coach had to say about his Celtics.

"

"That's an unacceptable effort for us. I don't say that very often. I don't think I've ever said that. That was a crime...I don't want to hear about us winning crap, not with that effort."

"

Rivers continued on to add that the team was the "cool Boston Celtics," not the tough, physical, experienced team that makes the hustle plays to win basketball games.

It may have been just a regular season contest. In the long haul, it's truthfully a game that lacks much meaning for this year's postseason. Yet, in spite of the harsh criticism and anger Rivers displayed toward his team, there is no doubt he had every right to do so.

The Celtics held a double-digit lead over the Bulls before letting Chicago make several open jump shots to come back and take the lead. Bulls guard C.J. Watson would help the Bulls break open a lead, hitting two clutch, yet wide-open three-point looks.

Watson was also active in getting teammates like Richard Hamilton and Luol Deng solid looks, recording three assists in the quarter.

Considering the Celtics are championship contenders, title winners in 2008, and are anchored by their top-notch defensive play. The fact that they gave up 55 second-half points was unacceptable.

This is a team that ranks No. 1 in the league defensively in field-goal percentage and No. 3 in points per game allowed. An effort in which the team allowed 93 points to a Bulls team without their All-Star point guard is an uncharacteristic for Boston.

With the 2012 NBA Playoffs just around the corner, it will be integral for this team to make sure they are dominating on the one end the floor they pride their game on.

A poor defensive efforts against an East contender like the Bulls is something that Rivers has to be anything but satisfied with. Yet, calling out his players may have in fact saved the Celtics season, as there is no question Pierce and the leaders of this team will respond.