The Boston Celtics are experiencing a rough patch in their season that has lasted nearly a month, with Kristaps Porzingis openly expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance following a lopsided loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics fell 110-97, marking a significant low point as they faced a team languishing with just ten wins this season.
The Celtics entered the game fully healthy and coming off two days of rest, having narrowly escaped another loss to the Pelicans shortly before. However, they struggled from the start, falling behind 15-5 early in the first quarter, only to collapse further in the second half. Toronto dominated the third quarter, shooting an impressive 73 percent and extending their lead, ultimately outscoring the Celtics in the fourth quarter, where Boston could only manage 15 points.
Porzingis expressed disappointment in the team’s lack of spirit and personality, noting that although the team has high-character individuals, they seem to be falling short collaboratively. He was one of the few players who performed well during the loss, scoring 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. Meanwhile, stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled significantly, combining for just 26 points on a dismal 9-of-31 shooting.
The Celtics’ inconsistency has been a major concern recently. They hold a 7-7 record over their last 14 games, with their shooting percentages dropping dramatically to 45.6 overall and 34.2 from three-point range since December 19. This slump has been exacerbated by uncharacteristically low performances from key players like Derrick White, who has struggled with his shooting lately.
Despite the frustration, Porzingis and his teammates maintain that they can turn things around. He emphasized the need for individual accountability and commitment to improvement, while Tatum affirmed the importance of sticking together through tough times. Head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed this sentiment, urging the players to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a solid 28-12 record but trail the Cleveland Cavaliers by 6.5 games. They face upcoming home games against the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, which offer an opportunity to regain momentum before embarking on a challenging road trip.
In summary, while the Celtics are mid-slump, the collective belief in their potential to emerge stronger from this experience is a positive takeaway. There remains hope for a turnaround as they prepare to tackle upcoming challenges together.