It could be unfair to name it a “championship hangover” since they’re nonetheless second within the Japanese Convention standings, however the Boston Celtics’ tough stretch continued Wednesday evening in Toronto.
The C’s fell to the Raptors 110-97 in one in every of their worst all-around performances of the 2024-25 season. They shot simply 39.6 p.c from the ground whereas permitting Toronto to make 50.6 p.c of its pictures.
Boston is now 7-7 over its final 14 video games with three double-digit losses in its final 5. Defensive struggles have arguably been the first purpose for these lackluster outcomes, and former Celtics guard Eddie Home did not maintain again in his evaluation of the staff’s current efforts on that finish of the courtroom.
“Yeah, it was nasty,” Home mentioned of the Celtics’ defeat. “I am simply making an attempt to determine this staff proper now. … We discuss concerning the 3-point pictures and our area objectives and every part else with that, like how we’re scoring the basketball however to me, it is the full reverse. It is the protection. The protection over this final month has stunk. We put collectively 1 / 4 right here, 1 / 4 there, possibly a half right here and a half there. However a whole recreation of taking part in championship-caliber protection, I simply have not seen it.
“I do not know what it’s. I do not know if it is fatigue, I do not know if it is simply the canine days of January and the tip of December, regardless of the case is, however we’re gonna get each staff’s greatest shot. So this isn’t one thing that now we have to be like, ‘Oh man, we’re shocked that we’re getting everyone’s greatest shot.’ You recognize that. You are the champs. You recognize what I imply? You are coming off of successful a world championship. You are gonna get each staff’s greatest shot, so that you higher come ready. And for no matter purpose, I do not know, I simply really feel like (the Celtics had been) a step sluggish. Eighteen area objectives (allowed) within the restricted space. That is simply too many, I am sorry.”
The C’s loss brings them to 28-12 on the season, nonetheless second within the East however falling additional behind (6.5 video games) the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers within the convention standings. Home is not fearful concerning the Celtics’ repeat probabilities simply but, however he believes it is “self-reflection” time for the reigning champs.
“There is no panic button to hit,” Home mentioned. “However there needs to be some self-reflection from this staff to look and say, ‘Hey man, it is simply not ok.’ Particularly what you are making an attempt to do since you’re constructing habits proper now, and the habits which can be being constructed and which can be occurring aren’t nice habits.
“For those who’re gonna repeat, that is the primary focus of this repeat is that it has to occur on the defensive finish to permit your self to be as nice as you might be on the offensive finish.”
Boston will look to bounce again Friday once they welcome the Orlando Magic to TD Backyard. Tip-off for the matchup is about for 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports activities Boston.
Watch the complete response from Home and the Celtics Postgame Dwell crew under or on YouTube:
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