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Boston Celtics: Effort, Defense Disappointing in Preseason loss to Cavaliers

By Thomas King

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 2, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 2, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics defense gives up a basket.
The Boston Celtics defense gave up more than 100 points for the third time in three preseason games. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Disappointing Defense

Throughout training camp and the preseason, Boston coach Brad Stevens has tried to caution his team that last season’s success means nothing for this year’s team. His message is that you can’t skip steps on the way to success–everything must be earned.

Through three preseason games, it doesn’t seem that the Celtics have been heeding their coach’s words. In 2017-18, Boston boasted the league’s best defense, surrendering 101.5 points per 100 possessions.

The Celtics have now given up at least 100 points in each of their three preseason games. After allowing Charlotte to score 112 points in its last game, Boston was blitzed by Cleveland for 59 points in the first half Tuesday evening.

The biggest problems for Boston on defense were effort and communication–the two steps a team absolutely cannot skip. Far too often, Celtics players failed to communicate with each other on off-ball screens, or closed out lazily on a three-point shooter; Kevin Love and Cavs rookie Collin Sexton made Boston pay for its sins, collecting two threes each in the first half.

Last season, Boston prided itself on building strong defensive habits–each play, each quarter, each game–that paid off in the playoffs. If the Celtics hope to have another great defense this season, they need to start focusing on the details and not expecting their talent to carry them through.

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