The Celtics headed out on this late-season street journey glowing. A masterful win over the Warriors to increase a protracted successful streak solely re-emphasized why they’re the heavy favourite to win a championship this June and finish their 16-year title drought.
But whereas these Celtics stay the category of the NBA with one of the best report by an excellent margin, whereas they’ve proven for almost all of this season that they’ve the look and mentality to recover from the hump, this week has been a reminder that there’s actually work left to be executed.
Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers revealed the Celtics nonetheless have development to do in crunch time. Two nights later, they have been reminded that the main points matter so as to beat a championship-level staff. Jaylen Brown scored 41 factors, and the Celtics almost pulled off the unimaginable in a late comeback bid in opposition to the defending champs, however they finally weren’t sharp sufficient in a 115-109 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday night time in Denver.
In a possible NBA Finals preview, the Celtics couldn’t get sufficient stops. Nikola Jokic had 32 factors, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, and Jamal Murray added 19 factors and eight assists as Denver’s dynamic duo have been an excessive amount of to beat. Jayson Tatum, two nights after he fell quick within the ultimate moments of their loss to the Cavs, couldn’t reply. The Celtics couldn’t make up for it in different methods as they suffered back-to-back losses for the primary time since November.
The Celtics trailed by 11 with 4:43 remaining however made a late rally that almost resulted in a miraculous victory. Behind two clutch step-back 3-pointers from Jrue Holiday, the Celtics immediately discovered themselves trailing by two within the ultimate minute when Brown compelled a steal of Murray, and put the C’s in transition. The ball finally discovered Tatum vast open for a go-ahead 3-pointer from the nook, however it got here up quick.
On the subsequent possession, Jokic discovered Aaron Gordon for an alley-oop dunk with 20 seconds to go, which finally sealed the Celtics’ destiny.
Source: www.bostonherald.com