This is getting tiring. You just said your opinion changes based on a few make or misses in either direction. The Celtics may or may not be mentally tough - them getting to the finals last year, despite being down 3-2 to the Bucks, and favorites again this year would suggest they have some ability. On the other hand I’ve never seen another fan who panicked as often as you in the Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and anything related to the economy. It’s tiring. I knew you would have the first or second post in this thread. You’re the Roman Roy of SoSH getting off on failure and anxiety.
76ers shot 45% from 3, Harden had an all-time game, and the Celtics could have easily won (particularly if the Maxey play was ruled a charge). It’s less than ideal but it’s fine. Celtics can very easily win this in 5 or 6. They will be favored in every game.
Last year's playoffs Celtics had less talent than this year's version. Tatum, White, and Brown improved from last year. There was no Brogdon equivalent last year.
But last year's Celtics had more mental toughness. Even in some playoff games when they did not have their best they could grind and outlast teams. This year's team doesn't really grind. Philly, including old injured Harden and without their best player and maybe league MVP, outlasted us.
I think Udoka could get more out of the team than Mazulla has thus far been able to.
Yes, Philly was hot from three - maybe if the Celtics tried some defense that might have helped a bit.
In what turned out to be the pivotal late possession, the Celtics not only failed to get a shot off, they coughed the ball up and then literally stood and watched from their frontcourt while Maxsey scored on a breakaway. Stood and watched.
I'll give credit to Marcus Smart because he rose above a sloppy game (6 turnovers) and went down battling. Led the team with 10 points in the 4th. Two crazy 3 point plays, including hitting both free throws, and a key assist to Al Horford late. Plus he nearly drew a charge on Maxsey that might have won the game. The Jays, not so much. Jaylen Brown had a great first quarter, 14 points on 6-7 shooting from the field. He took
only three shots for the whole rest of the game. And had 4 turnovers. Jayson Tatum had 39 points but only 5 points (and only one shot from the field) in the 4th.