Might slightly adversity be an excellent factor for the Celtics?

No one enjoys shedding, particularly not the defending NBA champions. Boston is firmly in the course of a tough stretch — highlighted by losses in 3 out of 4 — but it surely’s potential this is perhaps an excellent factor.

The common season is an extended street that brings you again to the playoffs, or to a spot within the NBA Draft Lottery. After profitable a title, it’s comprehensible that the group’s power ranges aren’t at a continuing 10 for all 82 video games. If you’ve completed the best achievement the NBA has to supply, discovering the additional gear for December basketball might not come as simply.

Name it boredom, or a scarcity of engagement. Both method, Boston may use a kick-start. There’s some irony to it, however these current loses may show helpful. Mazzulla has made it clear that he sees worth in adversity, and his gamers have echoed that sentiment.

This quote from Jaylen Brown got here after the Celtics crushed the Knicks on Opening Evening. These moments he spoke of although, they’ve arrived. Within the month of December, Boston is taking pictures 34% from 3 whereas their opponents are at 37%. These numbers are almost a whole 180 in comparison with the 19 video games prior.

It’s clear that as a unit they aren’t taking part in as much as their requirements, however they’ve ready themselves in addition to any group to show that into motivation. Mazzulla was interviewed throughout his first 12 months as head coach, and shared a perception in regards to the mentality of elite groups.

“All nice groups, they work out why they’re nice, they keep there longer than different groups and once they’re not there, they get again to it fast.” Mazzulla mentioned. Boston has arrived at stage 3, and it’s time to get again to greatness.

With as a lot profitable because the Celtics have executed, there isn’t all the time publicity to checks and hardships. Now that opponents have began strolling into the Backyard and outplaying them, one thing has to alter. Shot making is paramount, however they will give attention to issues inside their management like effort, defensive connectivity and communication.

There’s a tough schedule on the horizon, with the Celtics visiting the Wolves, Rockets, Thunder and Nuggets to open up the brand new 12 months. Their file coming residence from that gauntlet will say quite a bit about how nicely they responded to adversity.

To get themselves again on observe, it’s vital to wrap up December on a excessive notice. The Pacers have all the time been a tough matchup, so seeing them twice in three nights could possibly be the right tune-up.

Most of us — with the gamers included — haven’t been thrilled by this stretch of basketball. That’s not from a spot of concern, however disappointment within the group taking part in beneath their requirements for this lengthy. Mazzulla nevertheless, would possibly simply be having fun with it slightly bit.

If the group’s ideas are any indication, they’ll bust out of the hunch with a giant efficiency shortly. If that’s the case, this tough patch received’t be remembered as something greater than gas for one more deep playoff run.