Boston Celtics: 5 Reasons Why It's Panic Time for Kevin Garnett and the Celtics
The Boston Celtics (53-23), once the second-best team in the league, are now half a game out of third place in the Eastern Conference. The C's now trail the East-leading Chicago Bulls by three games, along with the second-seeded Miami Heat.
It seems to many that the Celtics have lost a step, losing eight of their last 15 games. Five of the eight losses have come to teams under .500, which in turn has raised doubts as to whether or not the C's are "championship material."
If Paul Pierce and company expect to have postseason success, things have to change for the Celtics going into the 2011 NBA playoffs.
Here are five reasons why Celtics nation should be worried about their Boston Celtics.
No. 5: Shaq's Hurt...Again
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It seems that every time Shaquille O'Neal has taken the court for the Celtics, soon enough he's down and out. The big fella just turned 39 early last month, and as of late is showing signs of age taking a toll on his health.
In last night's 101-90 home win against the Detroit Pistons, O'Neal eventually limped off the court in the second quarter. This was the first game back for O'Neal since a February 1st appearance against the Sacramento Kings 27 games ago.
Team doctors have him listed as having a strained right calf, giving head coach Doc Rivers and company a sigh of relief heading into the postseason.
The health of O'Neal could prove to be a key factor in the success the C's have this postseason, as he gives the team size and depth where the Celtics need it most since trading away Kendrick Perkins.
No. 4: Less Intensity on the Defensive End
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Head coach Doc Rivers undoubtedly has to be questioning the integrity of his ball club as of late. The Celtics have been slacking in the one aspect of the game they boast loudly: Defense.
The league-best defense that allows just over 90 points per game to opponents has allowed an average of 95.5 points to opponents in their last four games. In those four games, the Celtics have been outrebounded by 10 and are nearly three steals below their season average in those four games (5.8).
The Celtics earn their W's on the defensive end, and it will be vital for the team to pick up the slack heading into the final two weeks of the season.
No. 3: An Inconsistent Rajon Rondo
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I know, it's been tough, Rondo.
As of late, Rajon Rondo's production has been well below his season average, posting 8.2 assists, 1.4 steals and a shooting percentage of 43 percent in his last 10 outings. For the season, Rondo averages 11.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 48 percent shooting.
To his credit, he has been scoring more and making himself a bigger presence on the offensive end. On the other hand, his numbers dishing out the rock have been as up and down as they can get, posting eight, 14, five and 14 assists in his last four games.
Rondo is arguably the most important player for the Celtics and will have to step up his play if the Celtics wish to take home an 18th banner.
No. 2: Minimal Motivation
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Who can blame them, right? They should have home-court advantage for at least two rounds, own the league's best defense and are a lock to be a top-three seed in the conference, so why try in the last two weeks?
The Celtics have taken this attitude to a new extreme, losing the majority of their last eight losses to teams under .500. Their last 15 games has also featured wins against the New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
The problem is that the Celtics have brought their "A" game against the better teams in the league and have allowed their motivation-less play to happen more so against the poorer quality teams. The playoffs will undoubtedly feature winning teams, which should imply the C's will bring more inspired play with them in the postseason.
No. 1: Trouble Holding Leads
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I couldn't agree more, Doc—how is it that recently, time and time again, the Celtics give up leads?
Bizzare.
In each of their last four losses, the Celtics had the lead in each game. This becomes even more of a concern knowing that in each of the four losses the Celtics had the lead going into the fourth quarter, where they would eventually see all four leads vanish.
In the four losses, the C's have been outscored by a whopping 43 points in the fourth quarter, scoring just 15 points total in three of the four games and 17 in the other.
The four dropped games came to the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Bobcats and Memphis Grizzlies. Aside from the Hawks, the list doesn't feature a team better than 35-43.
With just two weeks remaining before the 2011 NBA playoffs, the Celtics will have to finish games better, as team's will make them pay for slacking off down the stretch.
