The Boston Celtics faced a disappointing defeat against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, managing only 15 points in the fourth quarter and falling 110-97 at Scotiabank Arena. Jayson Tatum, typically a standout player, concluded the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, but notably did not attempt a single field goal in the final quarter. His shooting night was subpar, finishing 5-of-15 from the field, a reflection of a larger issue plaguing the team, which shot just 39% collectively.
This loss marks the Celtics’ third double-digit defeat in their last five games, highlighting a troubling pattern. Tatum addressed the team’s struggles candidly, stating, “We’re going through some s*** right now. It’s tough. But we’ve got to go through it together, as best as we can, stick together, trust in one another like we always have, and just show your true character.”
The team’s performance has been hindered by poor shooting from their top players, including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, who have collectively shot below 33% from 3-point range over the past month. This slump has affected their confidence and overall execution. Brown has started to minimize his 3-point attempts, while White has appeared to struggle under the pressure, leading to limited playing time during the game against the Raptors.
Tatum expressed concern over the visible frustration among teammates, saying, “All of us are wearing (misses) a little too much on our face, and we’ve got to get out of that.” Kristaps Porzingis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of individual reflection and improvement, but also noted that the situation isn’t dire, reminding everyone that all teams experience ups and downs in their performance.
Looking ahead, the Celtics aim to turn the tide during their upcoming game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on Friday night. With a focus on regaining their rhythm and collaboration on the court, the team remains hopeful that they can overcome their current challenges and emerge stronger.
In summary, the Celtics are in a challenging phase, with key players struggling to find their shooting touch. However, with a concerted effort to support one another and refocus on their game, there is reason to believe they can bounce back and rediscover their winning ways.