The Boston Celtics, despite being the defending champions and holding a strong overall record, have struggled to meet the high expectations set by their recent success. After a dominant start to the season, they have gone 7-7 in the last month, with issues particularly evident in late-game situations where they rank poorly in net rating. Jayson Tatum and teammates have acknowledged the need for greater accountability and focus, emphasizing that their recent performance does not reflect their potential. As they face a challenging upcoming schedule, the Celtics must regain their offensive rhythm, particularly in three-point shooting, to return to their championship form.

Al Horford has struggled with his 3-point shooting this season, seeing a significant drop of 10 percentage points to 30.6%. He expressed the need for the team to increase their long-range attempts, noting that their shooting volume has decreased compared to earlier in the season. This decline in shooting efficiency has contributed to the Celtics' overall offensive struggles during their recent slump.

Jaylen Brown has struggled with his 3-point shooting, experiencing a significant drop of 7.7 percentage points to 26.7% over the past month. This slump is part of a broader trend affecting the Celtics' offensive efficiency, as the team has collectively failed to maintain their previous level of shooting. Brown's performance is critical as the Celtics rely heavily on their perimeter game, and his recent struggles have contributed to the team's overall inconsistency.

Kristaps Porziņģis has faced challenges in regaining his form after missing the start of the season due to ankle surgery. His performance has been inconsistent, contributing to the struggles of the Celtics' starting lineup, which has been outscored significantly in limited minutes together. As he works back into rhythm, the team hopes to restore the dynamic that made them successful last season.

Jayson Tatum has acknowledged the Celtics' struggles and emphasized the need for the team to take ownership of their performance. He expressed confidence in their ability to get back on track, highlighting the importance of accountability and the team's identity. Despite the recent lapses, Tatum believes in their potential to regain focus and improve as they navigate a challenging schedule ahead.