Boston Celtics: 3 ways to fix C’s most glaring issues in 2021-22

Boston Celtics issue No. 2) Fourth quarter struggles

As we’ve stated on a few occasions already this year, one of the biggest issues we’ve seen with the Boston Celtics is their inability to consistently produce in all periods of an exhibition, and, specifically, these issues have not been more apparent than during the fourth quarter of regulation.

Be it in their heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Mavericks at the final buzzer or their too close for comfort victory in what likely should have been a blowout win against the OKC Thunder the Cs have been prone to making inexcusable mistakes and giving up unnecessary buckets during the final 12 minutes of a contest.

Being outperformed in the final quarter in all but eight games, Boston has a point differential of -60 as they’ve been outscored 485 to 424 at this point in the game thus far this season.

On top of this, when it comes to their fourth-period production the Celtics find themselves ranked 29th in offensive rating, 26th in defensive rating, 29th in turnover percentage, and dead last in net rating.

Frankly, it’s called crunch time for a reason and, if they can’t get it done when it matters most, they’ll never be considered a legitimate threat in the east.

Solution: Give it time and hope for sustained health

While it may not be the sexiest of answers, it’s likely the one most worth giving a try.

Like we’ve seen already this season, the Boston Celtics have only managed to get better as time has gone by. During the team’s first few games, it appeared as though their offense would be truly fierce while their defense seemed incapable of stopping a nosebleed.

Then, as the days went on a flip was seemingly switched, as they then found themselves converting into a more defensive-oriented squad, boasting the fourth-best defensive rating in the entire league since the calendar turned the page to November.

Now yes, their offense has not been nearly as efficient as their defense, but a large part of this could be chalked up to the fact that All-Star wing, Jaylen Brown, was sidelined for eight games with a strained hamstring and Jayson Tatum had severely been struggling on that end of the floor up until their recent surge.

Really, what we’re getting at is time heals all wounds.

As the season presses on, we believe that not only will their defensive excellence continue to remain lethal but their offensive production will only manage to improve, especially if they stay healthy.

Despite rolling out many familiar faces, the C’s core group has several new players logging substantial minutes alongside one another, and, with such a bunch, it requires time to learn how to properly play with one another.

As the year progresses, we at HH believe that this squad will learn to put together a quality and consistent performance during all quarters of regulation, including when it matters most in the fourth.

All they need is time and health on their side.