Shamrock roundup: Celtics extend losing streak
Even Garnett's 16 points could not help the Celtics pull out a win against the Pistons. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics added three more losses this week to a losing streak that now stands at five games.
On Jan. 20 the Celtics traveled to Detroit to take on the Pistons. Boston spent the whole game trailing behind. Even with Kevin Garnett and Courtney Lee scoring 16 points each, the Celtics could not keep up and lost the game 103-88.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he was disappointed in his team’s desire to play hard.
“I don’t think we have the commitment to be a good basketball team,” Rivers said. “This team wants everything easy, they want the easy way out. They want to win easy, but the only way you’re going to win easy is you’re going to have to play hard. We’re taking the wrong approach. I’ve either got to find the right combination, the right guys, or we’re going to have to get some guys out of here.”
This loss caused coach Rivers to tell the team to shape up or ship out.
After the disappointing loss, the Celtics stayed on the road and traveled to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Jan. 22. Unfortunately, this was just another loss to add to the books. The Cavs won the game 95-90.
Point guard Rajon Rondo led Boston across the board with 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, and Garnett had 16 points and five blocked shots.
Not only was Coach Rivers upset with their performance, but even Garnett said he knew it was going to take more than two people to carry the team and end the losing streak. He placed some of the blame on himself.
“We’ve just got to be better, period,” Garnett said after the game. “We’ve got to try to figure this thing out because it’s not going to change itself. I want it so bad, but I’ve got to find a balance. I’ve got to do better for 48 minutes, man.”
Even after a much closer game on Jan. 24 at home against the New York Knicks, the Celtics still lost, 89-86.
While Rondo had a successful game with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, the rest of the team’s offense seemed to be dragging behind.
Even though the Celtics lost, Paul Pierce said he saw an improvement in the team from the last few games.
“I really liked the effort, I liked they way we competed tonight,” Pierce said after the game. “Our offense definitely has to get better. There’s nights where our offense is really letting us down when we put this type of effort on defense in.”
The Celtics will play again Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30PM on CSN-NE. Hopefully Boston can put their five-game losing streak to bed.
