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Boston Celtics Lose to the New York Knicks, 117-109, Drop to .500 on Season

By Mujeeb Ahmed

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics gives a thumbs up during a game at TD Garden on November 21, 2018 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics gives a thumbs up during a game at TD Garden on November 21, 2018 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Has Brad Stevens finally had enough? (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Has Brad Stevens finally had enough? (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

At what point does head coach Brad Stevens have to reassess his approach?

The Celtics are 9-9 and despite having a strenuous schedule, this has not been an ideal start to the 2018-19 NBA season.

Nearly everyone on the active roster has disappointed outside of Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris Sr. But the blame can not be solely on the shoulders of the players, the coaching staff needs to be held responsible as well. It seems as Brad is nearing his boiling point as he told the team in a timeout that they will not see the court if they are not willing to commit on the defensive end.

The Celtics offense has unnecessarily struggled this season. With a viable starting five as their bench unit and what appeared to be, a behemoth of a starting unit, the Celtics should not be finding putting the ball in the basket as hard as they have found it to be.

Brad Stevens has done right by Gordon Hayward thus far, he’s given him the time on the court that he needs to gauge where he’s at and the opportunity to play with different lineups – and although he may be able to perform well individually, like he did tonight, I do not believe Hayward playing 30+ minutes at this stage is a good thing for a basketball club looking for wins.

Hayward has been ice cold from the perimeter and with his reduced speed and willingness to attack the paint, he can’t do much offensively to help the Celtics. His passes were often fumbled tonight because they were poorly timed or inaccurate which ended up forcing his teammates into difficult shots on a night where the Celtics couldn’t throw a rock into the ocean.

Brad’s substitution pattern has left me scratching my head often as he’ll sub out a player who appears to be finding his rhythm for the sake of rest and getting everyone their minutes.

It’ll be interesting to see what further lineup and strategic changes Stevens makes in efforts to get the Celtics to where they need to be. If past seasons are any indications, Stevens is sure to concoct the perfect recipe for the Celtics success.

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