The Boston Celtics find themselves in a slump as they prepare for their New Year's Eve clash with the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. The team has suffered three losses in their last four games and four in their last six, a stark contrast to their earlier strong position in the Eastern Conference standings. They now lead the New York Knicks by just half a game, raising concerns about their performance.
Criticism has been directed at the Celtics' defense during this rough patch, as they currently rank 16th in defensive rating over the past six games, allowing over 100 points in five of those contests. Former Celtics guard Eddie House expressed that the team isn’t displaying the “championship effort” needed on defense.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the issue during a press conference, emphasizing that it's easier to blame effort rather than acknowledge shooting struggles. He noted that while the expected defensive metrics are strong, the team's 3-point shooting has plummeted to 28th in the league. Mazzulla stressed the need for improvement on both ends of the floor, acknowledging that the Celtics must enhance their offensive output to regain their winning ways.
Ultimately, the Celtics' current difficulties stem from their inability to convert shots, particularly from beyond the arc. With several capable shooters on the roster, Mazzulla is optimistic that the team will soon return to form, leading to better results on the court.
