Celtics Mad Lib of Losing (Hawks Recap)
By Mark Puleo
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
After 55 losses, I’m broken. I’ve officially run out of ways to write the same exact recap. Every game, same thing. So I’ve decided to create a Mad Lib, providing blanks to be filled in depending on the team and players.
Celtics Mad Lib of Losing
_______ (insert sound of despair, ie: UGH, Gargh, or Hmph), that was another close one! After coming back from ____ (amount of points Celtics were down by) to take the lead in the second half, Boston was unable to complete the comeback as the _____ (team that beat Celtics) outlasted the Celtics run.
Despite the fact that we saw steady production from _____ (Celtics player, probably Rondo) and ______ (Celtics player, probably Bradley or Sullinger), late errors by ______ (Celtics player, almost definitely Jeff Green) cost the Celtics a chance at stealing a game in ______ (city where Celtics lost). All seemed lost in the first half as the Celtics found themselves down by as many as _____ (largest Celtics deficit), but a massive second half run gave coach Brad Stevens’ squad hope. With just ____ (minutes left when Celtics blew comeback) minutes left in the game, it appeared that the Celtics completely took their foot off the gas and let the _____ (team that beat Celtics) steal a victory. During those stretches of Celtic success, we saw pleasantly surprising positive production from ______ (overpaid underperforming Celtics player) and continued effort from _____ (key role player trying to prove himself).
Once again, the biggest Celtics weakness was their fourth quarter defense. Just as it looked like we might open the gap, Boston was leaving ______ (really good player from other team that Boston failed to defend) wide open in the corner or making terrible switches, leaving ______ (terrible Celtics defender) on ______ (great opponent offensive player). The Celtics also had seemingly no answer for ______ (mediocre opponent who Boston should have shut down) as he lit up Boston for ________ (insert mediocre players incredible stat line).
It was a shame to see such great efforts from _____ and _______ (two Celtics who deserved a win tonight) go to waste, but a loss is a positive in this year’s race to the lottery. With just ______ (amount of games left) games left before this season mercifully ends, watch for continued improvement and growth from our young Celtics!
Celtics Mad Lib of Losing (4/9/14 vs. Hawks)
UGH, that was another close one! After coming back from 13 to take the lead in the second half, Boston was unable to complete the comeback as the Hawks outlasted the Celtics run.
Despite the fact that we saw steady production from Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Jared Sullinger, late errors by Jeff Green cost the Celtics a chance at stealing a game in Atlanta. All seemed lost in the first half as the Celtics found themselves down by as many as 13, but a massive second half run gave coach Brad Stevens’ squad hope. With just three minutes left in the game, it appeared that the Celtics completely took their foot off the gas and let the Hawks steal a victory. During those stretches of Celtic success, we saw pleasantly surprising positive production from Jeff Green and Brandon Bass and continued effort from Chris Johnson.
Once again, the biggest Celtics weakness was their fourth quarter defense. Just as it looked like we might open the gap, Boston was leaving Kyle Korver wide open in the corner or making terrible switches, leaving Jeff Green on Paul Millsap. The Celtics also had seemingly no answer for Jeff Teague as he lit up Boston for 19 points, 8 assists, and 3 treys.
It was a shame to see such great efforts from Rondo and Bradley go to waste, but a loss is a positive in this year’s race to the lottery. With just four games left before this season mercifully ends, watch for continued improvement and growth from our young Celtics!