Despite the fact that the media is calling for the demise of the Celtics and despite the 5-5 record over their last ten, it is still far too early for concern. Yes Boston's lead in the Atlantic Division is down to only four games, and yes they have been melting down in crunch time during games, but to have everyone doubting this team is right where I'd have this team be. In 2007 everyone doubted the logistics of the big three, but the team was inspired from this exposure to the league wide naysaying. This current team does need to realize they are not the 07' championship squad, however they also need to remember that no one should doubt them.
I thought this season would have the magic of 2007 and that the team would be even better than that year, however I have been gravely mistaken. It has been a normal season that most teams have. A season where you have many ups and downs; many small losing and winning streaks. Everyone is closing the window on the Celtics because they are fourteen games above .500? first in their division?, fourth place in the Eastern Conference?, and one game behind the Hawks for the third seed? Not the magical tweleve loss season I had hoped for (as a spoiled Boston fan) in the beginning, but a normal season that most cities would be happy for.
America is closing the door on the Celtic's in February by saying they are too old and cannot match up with the best in the league. Consider the one point loss to LA and the two point loss to Orlando and I don't see how this is a fair statement. The only team that does expose this "old age" is of course the Atlanta Hawks (who are only one game better than the Celtics). Atlanta has dominated Boston by sweeping the four games played this season, and does indeed present a match up nightmare. Even in 2007 the Hawks (who were not nearly as good as they are now) took their series against Boston seven games. I do not buy this "old age" reasoning to explain the Celtic's woes, unless we are referring to woes against Atlanta. The Hawks are a very young team and perhaps the most athletic in all the NBA; along with the fact that they are no longer afraid for the Celtics. My only true concern for the season is playing the Hawks in a playoff series and nothing more.
The Lakers and Magic are some of the top teams in the NBA and the Celtics hung in there pound for pound until the very end. This, among other things, indicates to me that this team will be back on track winning more games than it losses by a healthy margin. I still believe that by February's end the Celtics will be playing great basketball. This team is not too old to contend for a Champioship and that is exactly what they intend to do: win basketball games, get into the playoffs, and contend for a title. Even after the disapointing loss to the Hornets last night, it is still far too early to close the window on a season that is still young.
