THE Celtics are going through a difficult period and the loss in Toronto is perhaps, surely even, the worst of their season. The Raptors were in fact on 16 defeats in 18 matches since the beginning of December… However, the Canadians managed to win by limiting the reigning champions to only 97 points. The defense was not more pleasing, with 52 points conceded in the paint.
In short, there was not much to salvage from this encounter. Kristaps Porzingis, who has little to complain about with 18 points at 7/11 on the shoot, says it very clearly.
“We played without desire and without personality. Frankly, it was a poor performance on our part,” ensures the interior. “We are in tough times at the moment, that’s clear. We have to be realistic, look at ourselves in the mirror. We're not playing our best basketball. We don't apply the systems. There are lots of things we don't do well. We have to be honest with ourselves, otherwise it will continue like this. »
Seven victories and seven defeats for a month
It has been very clear for some time: the Celtics are not doing well and have three defeats in the last five matches. If we expand a little, for a month and 14 matches, they have had 50% victories. Not glorious for a team that started the season with a 21-5…
“We’re really not feeling well at the moment”confirms Jayson Tatum who regrets that the missed shots are visible “way too much on our faces”. “It’s hard. We said it after the match: we have to get through this as best as possible, we have to stay united, believe in each other as we always have and show our true character. »
Because the Knicks and Bucks are having trouble moving on, Joe Mazzulla's troops still retain their second place in the Eastern Conference. But it is fragile and without a rapid reaction, it could change.
“I know the guys, we have big personalities, big characters. No one points fingers at others. I know we will manage to get through this. I know it, we know it,” announcementto place himself under the sign of hope, Kristaps Porzingis. “But we have to start playing better. We cannot leave the situation like this and think that things will change like that. »
