Celtic Rebound

NBA history shows that after any major winning streak there is always a lull; as even the 1972 Lakers lost four of six after an American sports best 33 wins in a row. This rule of thumb will also apply to this year's defending champs. Getting back to the defensive intensity scheme the Celtics were able to build on a win with another tonight. When they beat the New Jersey Nets the next two games; 33-9 will ready Boston for a new streak.

 The Celtics had not lost four games in a row since the 2006-2007 season before the new Big Three. Four losses in a row had Celtics fans and NBA analysts alike in a doubting frenzy because of the two wins and seven losses in the last nine games. The Boston Celtics are in need of some roster updates, but I was never ready to say that they are in grave danger of not making a deep playoff run. As fans we have been spoiled by a 66 win season, NBA Title, and a 19 game winning streak to the point where a small losing skid (four games in size) casts a cloud of despair. I  admittedly fell into the hype and even spoke to the possibility of a 73 win season, but the Christmas born losing streak made it clear this record will never be broken. I should have never strayed from my preseason groundings that they would win fifty or so games. Falling for the hype is one thing, but doubting this team after a few losses is something else entirely. In fact, of the nine losses this year, there is only one of true concern. 

There have been some embarrassing defeats against New York and Charlotte along with a holiday heart breaker in Los Angeles, but none more imply playoff doom than January 9th's. The Celtic road to the NBA finals will unquestionably go through Cleveland, Ohio where Lebron James waits to exact revenge. Last Friday the Celtic's were without Paul Pierce's Game Seven heroics and without an answer for King James. Last season the Celtics were able to defend Lebron with  Posey and Pierce switching on and off. James is so physically imposing and strong that anyone guarding him is sure to be worn down and then pushed around. The luxury of spreading the physical beating (sustained defending Lebron) into two men is long gone. Perhaps if Tony Allen wasn't injured than the dual defense method could have been restored, but with no answer for number 23 the Celtic's were blown out. To beat the Cavaliers in a playoff series (which they will have to) King James must be slowed down or his teammates must be shutdown. In the past five years  it has been LeBron VS. the opposing team, and when he would receive no teammate aid a loss ensued. Now with the best team that's ever been around him LeBron James and the Cavs are primed to take on the Celtics. The Green cannot wait for James's supporting cast to fail him anymore, as the only way to achieve victory will be to contain the NBA's best all around player. Without Posey it is quite uncertain how the Celtic's will even attempt to stop LeBron; will it be a healthy Tony Allen? An untested young player? or a new member joining the team? Not only do the Celtics need someone to help stop LeBron James, but they need another big man or another two guard or both. Trust in the General Manager that lured Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to perform the necessary upgrades and right the ship.