Weren’t we just discussing how many close games that the Philadelphia 76ers lose yesterday?
On Wednesday night in Boston, the 76ers lost another close game (113-110) – a game that, on the second night of a back-to-back, they had no business making close. But much to the New England faithful’s chagrin, the Celtics are off to a sluggish start (by their standards) this season, and on this night barely avoided another embarrassing home loss.
It’s amazing that Philadelphia was able to stay in this contest, what with rookie Jrue Holiday and center Samuel Dalembert missing nearly every open shot and with a lopsided free-throw deferential (in favor of Boston 39-26). But somehow Philadelphia, like last night in Washingon, was able to stay close, even lead entering the fourth quarter- it certainly helped that the 76ers nailed 13 of 20 three-pointers.
The Celtics, by contrast, went 7-for-27 from beyond the arc and did a terrible job defending it. But in an NBA that isn’t known for its parity, the far more talented (and more expensive) Celtics were able to pull it out, on the strength of Paul Pierce (27 points) and a late offensive surge from Rajon Rhondo (10 points, 7 assists).
Boston is hardly struggling but they don’t look like the team that won the Finals two years ago. Is Ray Allen pressing? Is Kevin Garnett fully recovered from his offseason surgery? Is Eddie “Don’t leave the” House enough behind Rhondo? Has Rasheed Wallace been worth the money? Anyone seen Tony Allen? James Posey?
That’s just a few of the questions that are being raised by Celtic fans right now.
