CelticsStrong

Celtics Basketball => Game Threads => Topic started by: FLCeltsFan on December 22, 2017, 10:35:12 PM

Title: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: FLCeltsFan on December 22, 2017, 10:35:12 PM
(http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1669000/ff_1669890_full.jpg&w=160)  at  (http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1669000/ff_1669891_xl.jpg&w=160)
Chicago Bulls (10-21) at Boston Celtics (26-9)
Saturday, December 23, 2017
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #36, Home Game #18
TV: NBCSB, NBCSCH, NBA-LP 759(DTV)/756(xfinity)
Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, WLS-AM 890
TD Garden

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzbNQoConRg/UHcnSUm6aXI/AAAAAAAAAHM/2pon7ZGx1oc/s1600/TDGarden.jpg)

Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard

(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/202681.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1627739.png)
Kyrie Irving vs Kris Dunn

Shooting Guard

(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1627759.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/203200.png)
Jaylen Brown vs Justin Holiday

Small Forward
(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1628369.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1627756.png)
Jayson Tatum vs Denzel Valentine

Power Forward
(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/201143.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1628374.png)
Al Horford vs Lauri Markkanen

Center
(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/203382.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/201577.png)
Aron Baynes vs Robin Lopez

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/assets/logos/teams/primary/web/BOS.svg) Reserves
Abdel Nader
Semi Ojeleye
Guerschon Yabusele
Terry Rozier
Marcus Smart
Daniel Theis

Injuries

Gordon Hayward (ankle)  out
Marcus Morris (knee)out
Shane Larkin (knee) day to day
Jaylen Brown (Achilles)  day to day

Two Way Players
Kadeem Allen
Jabari Bird

Head Coach
Brad Stevens

(http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/76/7628/MFPF300Z/posters/boston-celtics-td-garden-2012.jpg)

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/assets/logos/teams/primary/web/CHI.svg) Reserves
Kay Felder
Christiano Felicio
Jerian Grant
Nikola Mirotic
David Nwaba
Cameron Payne
Quincy Pondexter
Bobby Portis
Paul Zipser

Injuries

Zach Lavine  (ACL)  out
Cameron Payne (foot)  out

Two Way Players
Ryan Arcidiacono
Antonio Blakeney

Head Coach
Fred Hoiberg

Game Notes

 This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season.  The Celtics lost 108-85 to the Bulls in a game they played without Kyrie Irving on 12/11.  They will meet again in Boston on April 6 and once more in Chicago on March 5.  Last season The Celtics and Bulls split the season series 2-2 with each team winning on their home court.

The Bulls are the youngest team in the league with an average age of 24.5 years old.  All of their players are under 30 years old and 10 of their 17 players are under 24, which is the most players under 24 on any team in the league.  Since getting Nikola Mirotic back from injury, the Bulls went on a 7 game win streak that was broken on Thursday when they lost 115-112 to the Cavs.  They are no longer the terrible team they were to start the season. 

The Celtics have lost 2 straight for the first time this season after losing to both the Heat and the Knicks.  They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and 13-4 at home.   The Bulls had won 7 straight games before their loss to the Cavs and are 3-13 on the road. Chicago defeated Charlotte, New York, Boston, Utah, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Orlando during its streak.  The Celtics have won 4 straight against the Bulls in Boston. 

Zach Lavine (ACL) and Cameron Payne (foot) are both out for the Bulls.  Gordon Hayward (ankle) is out indefinitely for the Celtics.  Marcus Morris is out for the Celtics with continued soreness in his knee.  He is targeting Christmas for a return.  Jaylen Brown missed Thursday's game with Achilles soreness and is listed as day to day.  Shane Larkin is also listed as day to day with knee soreness and is day to day as well.  He was scheduled for an MRI on Friday.

Nikola Mirotic started for the Bulls in their last meeting but is expected to come off the bench in this one.  Their starting lineup listed here is the one given in their game notes.  If Jaylen Brown can't go for the Celtics, expect Marcus Smart to once again start at shooting guard in his place. 

The Celtics recent slide has brought the Celtics to just 1 game ahead of the Cavaliers, who have been playing very well.  The Raptors have been winning also and are just 1.5 games back of the Celtics.  Philly is playing at the Raptors, while the Cavaliers are off. 


Key Matchups

(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/201143.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1628374.png)
Al Horford vs Lauri Markkanen
Al will be matched up with Bulls Rookie Lauri Markkanen, who has been playing very well.  Markkanen is averaging 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists.  Markkanen scored a team-high 25 points against Cleveland on Thursday.  That was his 5th 20+ point game this season. 

(http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/202681.png) vs (http://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/headshots/nba/latest/260x190/1627739.png)
Kyrie Irving vs Kris Dunn
The Celtics faced the Bulls the first time without Kyrie in the lineup.  Dunn is averaging 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals.  Kyrie has scored 30+ points in his last 3 games and should be ready to help his team get some revenge for that blow out loss without him. 

Honorable Mention

Celtics Bench vs Bulls Bench
The Celtics reserves have been struggling of late.  This is especially true when the Celtics have injuries to the starters.  The Bulls have Nikola Mirotic coming off their bench and in their last meeting, Mirotic finished with 24 points on 9-14 shooting along with 8 rebounds.  Bobby Portis also torched the Celtics with 23 points on 10-15 shooting with 4 rebounds and 1 assist.  The Celtics must get more out of their bench if they want to get back to winning. 

Keys to the Game
Rebound - The Celtics must box out and crash the boards.  They can't score without the ball and it will take extra effort on their part to grab the rebounds.  The Celtics have been slipping on the boards recently and that has shown in more losses recently.   The Celtics are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game while the Bulls are averaging 44.5 rebounds per game. 

Be Aggressive
-  I already mentioned that the Celtics must be aggressive on the boards, but they also must be aggressive on defense, in going after loose balls,  and just all around going all out. They have to aggressively attack the basket. They need to start the game with that aggressive attitude and be aggressive through the whole game with no let up.  The Celtics have been allowing other teams to outwork them in recent games and they can't let the Bulls outwork them in this or they may end up with yet another loss.     

Play Defense
-  Defense wins games.  The Celtics are now tied with the Warriors with a defensive rating of 101.0.  They have been letting their defense slip in recent games, which may be the result of too many games with not enough rest or practice in order to right the ship.  They have to get back to making tough in your face defense their priority. 

Move the Ball Carefully - The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man.  When they move the ball, good things usually happen.  When the ball stops and players try to do too much, the offense bogs down and the Celtics have trouble scoring.  They need to play the team ball that has gotten them the best record in the league.  Again, they have let this slip in recent games with too much dribbling and not enough passing. 

X-Factors
Fatigue - The Celtics have played 8 games in 12 days including 3 back to back sets.  Their shot have been short and they haven't played with the kind of energy that they did during their win streak.  They have to dig deep and find that energy once more, especially on the defensive end. 

Revenge - The Celtics have played two teams in a row that they owed a bit of revenge too for earlier losses.  Once again they are facing the Bulls who gave the Celtics a beat down in their first meeting.  At that time, the Bulls had won just 5 games.   Hopefully the Celtics will take them seriously because they have been on a win streak since that game and the Celtics need to be ready for them.  They won 7 straight and only lost to the Cavs by 3 so the Celtics definitely need to take them seriously.

Home Game - The Celtics are back home and should get motivation from the home crowd.  The Bulls are just 3-13 on the road and are a young team.  Young teams often can get rattled on the road and hopefully the Garden crowd will be loud and give the home team a boost and rattle the young Bulls at the same time. 
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jambr380 on December 22, 2017, 10:36:40 PM
Maybe First?

Awesome! And fantastic job once again FLC - I am loving the Christmas theme lately! Hopefully we can get back on track against these pesky Bulls!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: FLCeltsFan on December 22, 2017, 10:37:10 PM
TP to  jambr380  for being the first to post in the game thread.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Celtics!!!!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Sketch5 on December 22, 2017, 10:49:41 PM
Should be home in time for this one . Go C's!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 22, 2017, 11:03:38 PM
Thrid
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 01:13:36 AM
I guess these all going to be  tough games until heath comes back and we get a couple of days in for practice. Go Celtics!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: LatterDayCelticsfan on December 23, 2017, 04:09:07 AM
SMOTY for me
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Celtics4ever on December 23, 2017, 06:40:54 AM
Go Celtics!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jambr380 on December 23, 2017, 08:02:04 AM
Also, don't look now, but Kris Dunn has turned into a very good player. I think most of us here are quite satisfied with Jaylen Brown and his progress, but there were many scoffing at the fact that the Cs could have chosen him. It looks like it wouldn't have been that poor of a decision, afterall, and Chicago was able to get their man who they originally wanted from us in a Butler trade.

Even though he was a bit older coming out, sometimes it just takes a player a little while and the right situation to figure it out.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Csfan1984 on December 23, 2017, 08:06:56 AM
Let's start a streak!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Billz401 on December 23, 2017, 08:15:48 AM
Haven't posted in the game thread the past 2 games and both went for losses. So here's to changing that!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Surferdad on December 23, 2017, 09:08:47 AM
10th, frist paige

Don't take no Bull from these chumps!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Jiri Welsch on December 23, 2017, 09:20:23 AM
Predicting a big game from Jaylen Brown. He’s either not played or struggled with turnovers the last few.

Lesgooooo
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: hodgy03038 on December 23, 2017, 09:50:14 AM
I hope Jaylen has been practicing free throws in the last couple days. So this team that just barely lost to Cleveland (by 3) and who recently kicked our ass without Markanen is coming to town. We have lost the last two home games so everything is pointing to another loss. They need to win as my wife says my reactions to games is going to get me "suspended" from my watching privileges. We (I) need this one! Our offense has been real stagnant over the past two games. I just sit there and home that Kyrie comes down and throws in a 3 to get us closer because the terrible team that we are playing has gone on a run and we are down by double digits. I am hoping for someone to wake up and get this team going. Little spurts of Marcus & Tatum but that is it. If Kyrie is not hitting "every" shot we are screwed. We need to hit our free throws as we don't get many because we aren't taking it inside.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 07:32:49 PM
I hope Celtics Killer Bobby Portis can be contained tonight...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 07:40:05 PM
If the C's can't play with good energy in this one then it says a lot about Brad and our team.  We got smoked by these chumps and have come off of two embarrassing losses against inferior teams.

I expect a win.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 07:41:59 PM
Tatum's pull-up game is deadly.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 07:46:46 PM
Kyrie is putting on a show
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bostonsportsforlife on December 23, 2017, 07:48:12 PM
I'm not a fan of midrange heavy games but Tatum's midrange game sure is pretty
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 07:49:10 PM
Kyrie is cooking tonight!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 07:51:15 PM
Time to invest in Tatum.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 07:53:10 PM
I do like this game's pace much better. Prior to the season everyone talked about pushing the ball every possession, but we've had a pretty slow pace this season so far.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 07:53:13 PM
Even in games where the offense looks good they can’t miss smh
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 07:55:18 PM
Both Kyrie and Al have played the entire quarter so far.  Looks like we're not going to be staggering them as much to put at least one of them with the bench unit.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 07:55:30 PM
I do like this game's pace much better. Prior to the season everyone talked about pushing the ball every possession, but we've had a pretty slow pace this season so far.

Nothings forced so far... good ball movement, taking good shots. Feels a lot better than the last few games
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: keevsnick on December 23, 2017, 07:55:34 PM
Nobody can miss, even Ojeleye hit one.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 07:56:57 PM
Watching from MA for a change . Feels dirty.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 07:58:08 PM
And we immediately give up an O Reb and putback to Portis. 
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 07:58:28 PM
Bench time
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 07:58:48 PM
Already given up 5 offensive boards. It's the playoffs all over again.  ::)
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bknova on December 23, 2017, 07:58:56 PM
Tough call., Good D, Jaylen.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 08:01:27 PM
It seems like every game, regardless of the quality of opponent, there are stretches where I have to remind myself of regression to the mean and that the opposing team can't keep shooting 95% from the field.  Since it feels like this happens every game...is my irritated fan perception just biased (and this happens with all teams in all games) or is there something legitimately problematic with our defense?  A lot of the times, it even seems like we're playing decent defense with a hand in faces and solid rotations...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:01:55 PM
What a finish by Smart with the left hand!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:02:20 PM
This is the Smart I like to see!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 08:02:45 PM
31 in the first quarter to the Bulls is embarrassing.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:03:37 PM
Shemmy upset with Smaht. Wonder who would win in a boxing match.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: YoungOne87 on December 23, 2017, 08:03:37 PM
holiday the next guy that someone morphs into a super scorer against us?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 08:04:24 PM
It seems like every game, regardless of the quality of opponent, there are stretches where I have to remind myself of regression to the mean and that the opposing team can't keep shooting 95% from the field.  Since it feels like this happens every game...is my irritated fan perception just biased (and this happens with all teams in all games) or is there something legitimately problematic with our defense?  A lot of the times, it even seems like we're playing decent defense with a hand in faces and solid rotations...

The perimeter defense is much more suspect than it was earlier in the season. Teams start getting in a rhythm much more.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:05:33 PM
Holy hell, guys, Smart just finished two difficult layups in a row IN TRAFFIC. #thisdayinCelticshistory
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:07:00 PM
So, why are we now back to not staggering Al with the second unit at the beginning of the second quarter? Just no consistency whatsoever with these rotations.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:07:37 PM
Portis has been really good this year.  Rozier was officially a mistake.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:08:10 PM
I hope Celtics Killer Bobby Portis can be contained tonight...

Update: He can’t be
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 08:08:26 PM
How do the Bulls have a better bench than the Celtics?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:08:49 PM
So, why are we now back to not staggering Al with the second unit at the beginning of the second quarter? Just no consistency whatsoever with these rotations.

Theis makes Al largely redundant
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:09:58 PM
How do the Bulls have a better bench than the Celtics?

Honestly who doesn’t? The Clippers?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:10:41 PM
Semi!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:11:15 PM
That may be the best play I’ve ever seen Rozier carry out
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:11:58 PM
How many blown dunks have we had this year? It seems like we have at least one a game anymore.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 08:13:24 PM
Just watch Rozier out there.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: keevsnick on December 23, 2017, 08:14:01 PM
This bulls team has a lot of interesting pieces. Mirotic, Portis, Lauri, even Dunn has shown signs.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bknova on December 23, 2017, 08:14:18 PM
Three and D, Semi.  Three and D .  Just stick with the 3.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 08:15:37 PM
It's a contest to see if we'll have more blown dunks or more turnovers from bounce passes into the key by end of year.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:15:39 PM
Tatum looks disinterested
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:16:46 PM
So, why are we now back to not staggering Al with the second unit at the beginning of the second quarter? Just no consistency whatsoever with these rotations.

Theis makes Al largely redundant

Redundant? I mean, I guess in the sense that they have similar skillsets, sure, but Al is probably better in every single facet of that skillset than Theis.

That's like saying that Rozier makes Kyrie (or even IT last year) redundant - I'd much rather have Kyrie, IT, or Al out there than Rozier or Theis, especially with a primary bench group.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: YoungOne87 on December 23, 2017, 08:16:51 PM
I must get back to the state of mind, that this is a development season. Was much more fun that way.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:17:47 PM
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? HOW THE HELL ARE THEY NOT CALLING THAT OFFENSIVE GOALTENDING??

I'm seriously so sick of the officiating incompetence that we've seen this year. That is seriously a point blank call that they missed.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:17:56 PM
Portis just likes haunting Danny
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 08:19:08 PM
Portis is a man, we need one of those.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 08:19:11 PM
I think I may hate Rozier now. Stands around on offense unless he's dribbling for a dumb shot and only goes for steals on defense.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:19:43 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:19:57 PM
Seems like Brown is always short on the second FT
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 08:20:12 PM
I think I may hate Rozier now. Stands around on offense unless he's dribbling for a dumb shot and only goes for steals on defense.


Yeah, it's nearing that for me too.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:20:57 PM
So, why are we now back to not staggering Al with the second unit at the beginning of the second quarter? Just no consistency whatsoever with these rotations.

Theis makes Al largely redundant

Redundant? I mean, I guess in the sense that they have similar skillsets, sure, but Al is probably better in every single facet of that skillset than Theis.

That's like saying that Rozier makes Kyrie (or even IT last year) redundant - I'd much rather have Kyrie, IT, or Al out there than Rozier or Theis, especially with a primary bench group.

I was just joshing.  You were too nice to call me out. :)
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:21:26 PM
I think I may hate Rozier now. Stands around on offense unless he's dribbling for a dumb shot and only goes for steals on defense.

I've done a 180 on Rozier.  I thought I saw solid potential in his 1st and 2nd years, but he has not put things together and has not improved.  He's a different level of terrible.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: YoungOne87 on December 23, 2017, 08:21:52 PM
Seems like Brown is always short on the second FT

unless he is short on the first...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 08:22:49 PM
Did you just see that defense by Rozier there? Get him off the floor.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:22:51 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 08:23:30 PM
Rozier is garbage.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:23:33 PM
Rozier is the first human I've ever seen gallop.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:24:18 PM
Lol no foul for Horford? Refs are so incompetent
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:24:39 PM
Wow. I'm seriously astonished at how inconsistent the officiating is this year. How the hell does Al not get an And-1 foul there after getting Lauri up in the air? That's literally called almost every single time...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:25:16 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Thankfully our starters are performing after being re-inserted.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:26:03 PM
How’s Lopez at the line??
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 08:26:47 PM
Obviously, we can't take the starters out.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: KungPoweChicken on December 23, 2017, 08:27:32 PM
Tommy has only said a couple things that have made sense tonight. Hope he is alright.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: CelticSooner on December 23, 2017, 08:27:47 PM
They aren't even trying on defense and Rozier is leading the charge.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:27:53 PM
Lol Kyrie was mugged!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: mr. dee on December 23, 2017, 08:28:36 PM
I can't watch the game today but it seems that the team aren't any better than the last few games.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:28:55 PM
My God, the officiating this year has been atrocious. What an embarrassing display of incompetence.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:30:06 PM
Please cut Rozier's minutes when MM comes back.  I mean substantially cut them.  He's not shown that he's deserved the playing time he gets.  One good game every 10 games isn't enough - I don't care if you capitalize on a boneheaded play by Bogdonavic to make a game winning dunk.  Zero consistency.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:30:19 PM
My God, the officiating this year has been atrocious. What an embarrassing display of incompetence.

NBA has a serious ref problem beyond just the Celts. It’s across the board.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 08:34:32 PM
In the Celtics last 10 games, in which they are 5-5, the starters are 7th in the league among other opening units with a net rating of 4.4. The bench meanwhile, is dead last among all other second units with a net rating of -13.3.

Hopefully Morris can come back soon and help shore things up.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 08:34:58 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Serious question, because I see this comment a lot...is it possible that Brad is in the same mindset as the Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, etc...that essentially the regular season is pointless other  than preparing for the post-season?  Just like he's shifting our team to only three positions...he's only trying to shift the team to a group of players that can succeed in any type of lineup?  So he's using 82 games to refine and determine which players can make that shift and which ones can't?  And if we need to use the DPE or trades to find other players that can do it, we'll glean that info as well.

Don't really know if the strategy will ultimately be good or bad...but other than home court advantage, since we're almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in this conference...isn't this a better use of our regular season than simply trying to have the best record in the Eastern conference?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 08:35:08 PM
Rozier is now 2 for 15 in his last 2 and a half games.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:37:30 PM
Rozier is now 2 for 15 in his last 2 and a half games.

Shooting 34% for the month of December, and likely to go down further after this game unless he manages to fluke in a few buckets in the 2nd half.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: YoungOne87 on December 23, 2017, 08:41:23 PM
if we keep rozier over smart I will be mad af.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:46:37 PM
Jaylen is having a nice come back game...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:46:58 PM
Tatum's shot is so pure.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:49:19 PM
Nice little run there...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: keevsnick on December 23, 2017, 08:49:39 PM
Gotta build this lead big enough that even our bench can't blow it.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 08:49:53 PM
Jaylen is shooting 47% from the floor. 40% from three. But somehow can't even make 2/3 of his FTAs? It's like Bowen all over again. Minus the dirty play.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:51:18 PM
Gotta build this lead big enough that even our bench can't blow it.

I don't know if such a lead exists...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:52:16 PM
Jaylen!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:52:33 PM
Jaylen!

Brown!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:52:48 PM
Best stretch in multiple games... get this up as high as possible before the bench comes back in
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:53:29 PM
Really do love me some Jaylen Brown
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:54:43 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Serious question, because I see this comment a lot...is it possible that Brad is in the same mindset as the Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, etc...that essentially the regular season is pointless other  than preparing for the post-season?  Just like he's shifting our team to only three positions...he's only trying to shift the team to a group of players that can succeed in any type of lineup?  So he's using 82 games to refine and determine which players can make that shift and which ones can't?  And if we need to use the DPE or trades to find other players that can do it, we'll glean that info as well.

Don't really know if the strategy will ultimately be good or bad...but other than home court advantage, since we're almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in this conference...isn't this a better use of our regular season than simply trying to have the best record in the Eastern conference?

Well, we're not good enough to not care about the regular season.  Not yet.  Especially with Hayward's injury.  Brad doesn't strike me as someone who'd be complacent about poor regular season effort and losses.  He obviously knows a lot more than we do, but these strange lineups will never show up in the playoffs, and it doesn't seem to be beneficial for these inexperienced players to try to play disorganized ball together because they don't have enough talent to play as a cohesive unit.

Just my take.  TP for being a new guy though  :D
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bknova on December 23, 2017, 08:55:03 PM
Jaylen is shooting 47% from the floor. 40% from three. But somehow can't even make 2/3 of his FTAs? It's like Bowen all over again. Minus the dirty play.

Yeah, its so weird.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:57:01 PM
I'm glad Jaylen is playing well.  We sure as heck could have used him against the Knicks but that achilles is still concerning me.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 08:57:49 PM
Tatum doing it on both sides of the ball!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:57:53 PM
Brown to Tatum! The future!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:58:06 PM
Nwaba, is killing us...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 08:58:53 PM
Brown to Tatum! The future!

YES!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 08:59:28 PM
When Kyrie does his little backpedal after making a 3, I want to stab myself in the eye.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 08:59:43 PM
Brown to Tatum! The future!

My thoughts exactly.  TP
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 08:59:47 PM
Now this looks like the team on the streak!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:00:01 PM
When Kyrie does his little backpedal after making a 3, I want to stab myself in the eye.

I like seeing Celtics make shots!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:01:58 PM
Now this looks like the team on the streak!

They do look sharpe tonight.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:02:43 PM
Step on their neck and blow 'em out.  No messing around.  Our starters need rest.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 09:03:05 PM
Brown to Tatum! The future!

My thoughts exactly.  TP

TP to you as well!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:03:12 PM
I do love that Kyrie has taken Brad's analytic philosophy to heart and is taking more open threes. He's already at a career pace in attempts per game, but he's really upped his three point attempts even more recently with great success.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
That bogus call was laughable.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:03:32 PM
Step on their neck and blow 'em out.  No messing around.  Our starters need rest.

TATUM with the neck step!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:04:34 PM
When Nader is in, no lead is safe.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Vox_Populi on December 23, 2017, 09:05:44 PM
Rozier and Nader just covered the same player and still failed.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Tr1boy on December 23, 2017, 09:06:51 PM
Finally the ball is moving ..synergy on defense

Its starts with Kyrie
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bknova on December 23, 2017, 09:06:51 PM
Brown needs to be the number 1 option on this unit.  Every. Time. Down.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:08:15 PM
Step on their neck and blow 'em out.  No messing around.  Our starters need rest.

TATUM with the neck step!

He definitely atoned for the airball with that corner 3
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:10:02 PM
Really like Smart's aggressive takes to the rim tonight. For the most part they haven't been forced, and it's better than him just merely jacking up threes all night long. He's also getting to the line.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 09:10:17 PM
Marcus is playing such a smart offensive game... I know the Bulls perimeter d blows but he needs to play like this more often
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:11:59 PM
Smart OK?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 09:13:31 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Serious question, because I see this comment a lot...is it possible that Brad is in the same mindset as the Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, etc...that essentially the regular season is pointless other  than preparing for the post-season?  Just like he's shifting our team to only three positions...he's only trying to shift the team to a group of players that can succeed in any type of lineup?  So he's using 82 games to refine and determine which players can make that shift and which ones can't?  And if we need to use the DPE or trades to find other players that can do it, we'll glean that info as well.

Don't really know if the strategy will ultimately be good or bad...but other than home court advantage, since we're almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in this conference...isn't this a better use of our regular season than simply trying to have the best record in the Eastern conference?

Well, we're not good enough to not care about the regular season.  Not yet.  Especially with Hayward's injury.  Brad doesn't strike me as someone who'd be complacent about poor regular season effort and losses.  He obviously knows a lot more than we do, but these strange lineups will never show up in the playoffs, and it doesn't seem to be beneficial for these inexperienced players to try to play disorganized ball together because they don't have enough talent to play as a cohesive unit.

Just my take.  TP for being a new guy though  :D

Thanks for my first TP.

I'm not suggesting Stevens doesn't care about season effort (opposite actually)...but is he willing to sacrifice a handful of wins this season, in the pursuit of learning more about which combinations will work...I think so. 
When I'm frustrated with some of these lineups...I think:  Brad Stevens is a smart, basketball guy...he spends more time thinking about this stuff than I do.  So I assume he too, can easily notice that some of these 2nd quarter lineups are garbage...so why do it?
It's super frustrating as a fan to watch a scientist experiment with trials that feel like they are bound to fail before it even begins...but if we're not going to have the talent to match the Warriors and Cavs (which we don't)...we need some other advantage...and perhaps a high level of plug-n-play chemistry that can overcome foul trouble, injuries to stars, etc is that advantage.
But then again...I'm new around here...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: bknova on December 23, 2017, 09:13:44 PM
sleigh bells....
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:13:52 PM
Lol did Grant just flip that in from his knees?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:14:51 PM
NADER!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: YoungOne87 on December 23, 2017, 09:15:04 PM
that HORSE shot tho...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Dino Pitino on December 23, 2017, 09:15:18 PM
sleigh bells....

Lol, Tommy is priceless.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 09:15:27 PM
I do love that Kyrie has taken Brad's analytic philosophy to heart and is taking more open threes. He's already at a career pace in attempts per game, but he's really upped his three point attempts even more recently with great success.

I don't think any one had to twist his arm.  Guys want to jack 3s, and Boston's system is predicated on letting them do it.  Probably in part why he and everyone else wants to play here.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:18:19 PM
Rozier with another brick!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:19:22 PM
Theis is having a hell of a game!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: 2short on December 23, 2017, 09:20:50 PM
Theis is having a hell of a game!
His box score is crazy, minutes, rebounds points
Rozier is the opposite guy needs to stop jacking so many shots in his minutes
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 09:24:18 PM
"Just win the first three minutes and the game is over"...how about limp through the first eight?

Is Theis getting more tattoos as the season progresses?  I feel like at this rate by playoff time they will be creeping under the mask and covering his face.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:24:30 PM
Theis is having a hell of a game!
His box score is crazy, minutes, rebounds points
Rozier is the opposite guy needs to stop jacking so many shots in his minutes

It is crazy good....

Closing in on a double double!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:24:50 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Serious question, because I see this comment a lot...is it possible that Brad is in the same mindset as the Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, etc...that essentially the regular season is pointless other  than preparing for the post-season?  Just like he's shifting our team to only three positions...he's only trying to shift the team to a group of players that can succeed in any type of lineup?  So he's using 82 games to refine and determine which players can make that shift and which ones can't?  And if we need to use the DPE or trades to find other players that can do it, we'll glean that info as well.

Don't really know if the strategy will ultimately be good or bad...but other than home court advantage, since we're almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in this conference...isn't this a better use of our regular season than simply trying to have the best record in the Eastern conference?

Well, we're not good enough to not care about the regular season.  Not yet.  Especially with Hayward's injury.  Brad doesn't strike me as someone who'd be complacent about poor regular season effort and losses.  He obviously knows a lot more than we do, but these strange lineups will never show up in the playoffs, and it doesn't seem to be beneficial for these inexperienced players to try to play disorganized ball together because they don't have enough talent to play as a cohesive unit.

Just my take.  TP for being a new guy though  :D

Thanks for my first TP.

I'm not suggesting Stevens doesn't care about season effort (opposite actually)...but is he willing to sacrifice a handful of wins this season, in the pursuit of learning more about which combinations will work...I think so. 
When I'm frustrated with some of these lineups...I think:  Brad Stevens is a smart, basketball guy...he spends more time thinking about this stuff than I do.  So I assume he too, can easily notice that some of these 2nd quarter lineups are garbage...so why do it?
It's super frustrating as a fan to watch a scientist experiment with trials that feel like they are bound to fail before it even begins...but if we're not going to have the talent to match the Warriors and Cavs (which we don't)...we need some other advantage...and perhaps a high level of plug-n-play chemistry that can overcome foul trouble, injuries to stars, etc is that advantage.
But then again...I'm new around here...

Here's another TP for a good discussion.

I definitely think this type of philosophy plays into it. Brad (for better or worse) has always done a ton of experimenting with the rotations in the regular season, and I think minute management is also a part of it.

But here's the thing that I don't get - most of these lineups won't even be a factor in the playoffs. Figuring that Morris gets healthy and not counting on Hayward coming back, we'll only be playing 8-10 guys deep in our rotation in the playoffs (Kyrie, Brown, Tatum, Morris, Horford, Rozier, Smart,Semi (rarely), Theis, and Baynes), and generally five to six of those guys (Kyrie, Brown, Tatum, Morris, Horford, and Smart) will take up the majority of the minutes with Baynes, Theis, Rozier, and Semi all having their playing time dependent upon matchups or if one of the main guys is having a bad night.

So when we see these lineups of all bench units that are costing us games due to the huge deficit they build up, I don't think this rationale can really justify that. Especially with the injuries we've dealt with and the fact that we're going to be seeing much more integration of starter/bench lineups in the playoffs, I think simply having more integrated units is a good compromise between experimenting with differing lineups/managing minutes and still not harming our chances of winning games.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:27:50 PM
I do love that Kyrie has taken Brad's analytic philosophy to heart and is taking more open threes. He's already at a career pace in attempts per game, but he's really upped his three point attempts even more recently with great success.

I don't think any one had to twist his arm.  Guys want to jack 3s, and Boston's system is predicated on letting them do it.  Probably in part why he and everyone else wants to play here.

I don't think that's necessarily true. It's similar to the Tatum situation. Those players who excel at iso ball generally are more reliant on the mid-range game than the three point game. I think both Kyrie and Tatum would naturally take many more midrange shots than threes outside of Brad's system.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:28:46 PM
Theis is having a hell of a game!
His box score is crazy, minutes, rebounds points
Rozier is the opposite guy needs to stop jacking so many shots in his minutes

It is crazy good....

Closing in on a double double!

Yup Theis is doing a great job out there.  Maybe it's the new personally fitted mask.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: mr. dee on December 23, 2017, 09:30:40 PM
Tunnel vision Rozier is at it again. He's lucky that went in.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:31:05 PM
One potential flaw I've noticed with Tatum's shot is that he doesn't necessarily get it off the quickest. Many times he doesn't put up threes off of the pass due to having a slower shot, which I think is partly due to him having such a high release and advanced iso game that hasn't forced him to quicken his shot at all.

That's why I wonder how he'd do in the three point contest. His form is virtually flawless, and he's very consistent with it; however, I'm not sure that he can get through the racks quick enough to really challenge to win it.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:31:31 PM
Theis is having a hell of a game!
His box score is crazy, minutes, rebounds points
Rozier is the opposite guy needs to stop jacking so many shots in his minutes

It is crazy good....

Closing in on a double double!

Yup Theis is doing a great job out there.  Maybe it's the new personally fitted mask.

I'm sure it helps to have a mask that fits.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:32:54 PM
Tunnel vision Rozier is at it again. He's lucky that went in.

Rozier is 2-8 with that lucky layup being one of the makes...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: mctyson on December 23, 2017, 09:34:11 PM
Tunnel vision Rozier is at it again. He's lucky that went in.

true
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:35:23 PM
Nice pass by Tatum.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:37:02 PM
Smart has been short on every 3 he's taken.

Man that was a ugly alleyoop pass from Rozier.  Rozier did play solid help D on Markannen a few plays back though, so I'll let that slide.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: esel1000 on December 23, 2017, 09:37:24 PM
Pretty move by Tatum
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:37:39 PM
Oh man, that Tatum finish followed up by that Smart stuff!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:38:44 PM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Rosco917 on December 23, 2017, 09:38:54 PM
C's played much better D in the second half, much more aggressive.  Good to see Celtic smiles.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:39:14 PM
What a dunk by Rozier.  No fluke there.

I hope that somehow gets him going for the rest of December and January.  We need him to be better.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:39:34 PM
Rozier with the slam!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:41:23 PM
Theis was the player of the game!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: SCeltic34 on December 23, 2017, 09:42:22 PM
Sweet revenge.  It doesn't make the loss at Chicago suck any less, but only a win would suffice tonight.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 09:43:41 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jpotter33 on December 23, 2017, 09:45:20 PM
Good blowout win after a tough couple of weeks. Now let's do the same on Christmas Day against those dirty Wizards!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Kevins Gamble on December 23, 2017, 09:46:26 PM
Nobody is surprised that we're getting our ass kicked in this quarter.  Might have something to do with these trash lineups Brad continues to roll out to start the 2nd.

Yeah, this flip-flopping with the bench rotations and the staggering of the starters is just baffling.

He went with the Al/Tatum staggering with the main bench group for several games, and it seemingly worked. Why he suddenly changed his mind is beyond me.

Serious question, because I see this comment a lot...is it possible that Brad is in the same mindset as the Warriors, Spurs, Cavs, etc...that essentially the regular season is pointless other  than preparing for the post-season?  Just like he's shifting our team to only three positions...he's only trying to shift the team to a group of players that can succeed in any type of lineup?  So he's using 82 games to refine and determine which players can make that shift and which ones can't?  And if we need to use the DPE or trades to find other players that can do it, we'll glean that info as well.

Don't really know if the strategy will ultimately be good or bad...but other than home court advantage, since we're almost guaranteed to make the playoffs in this conference...isn't this a better use of our regular season than simply trying to have the best record in the Eastern conference?

Well, we're not good enough to not care about the regular season.  Not yet.  Especially with Hayward's injury.  Brad doesn't strike me as someone who'd be complacent about poor regular season effort and losses.  He obviously knows a lot more than we do, but these strange lineups will never show up in the playoffs, and it doesn't seem to be beneficial for these inexperienced players to try to play disorganized ball together because they don't have enough talent to play as a cohesive unit.

Just my take.  TP for being a new guy though  :D

Thanks for my first TP.

I'm not suggesting Stevens doesn't care about season effort (opposite actually)...but is he willing to sacrifice a handful of wins this season, in the pursuit of learning more about which combinations will work...I think so. 
When I'm frustrated with some of these lineups...I think:  Brad Stevens is a smart, basketball guy...he spends more time thinking about this stuff than I do.  So I assume he too, can easily notice that some of these 2nd quarter lineups are garbage...so why do it?
It's super frustrating as a fan to watch a scientist experiment with trials that feel like they are bound to fail before it even begins...but if we're not going to have the talent to match the Warriors and Cavs (which we don't)...we need some other advantage...and perhaps a high level of plug-n-play chemistry that can overcome foul trouble, injuries to stars, etc is that advantage.
But then again...I'm new around here...

Here's another TP for a good discussion.

I definitely think this type of philosophy plays into it. Brad (for better or worse) has always done a ton of experimenting with the rotations in the regular season, and I think minute management is also a part of it.

But here's the thing that I don't get - most of these lineups won't even be a factor in the playoffs. Figuring that Morris gets healthy and not counting on Hayward coming back, we'll only be playing 8-10 guys deep in our rotation in the playoffs (Kyrie, Brown, Tatum, Morris, Horford, Rozier, Smart,Semi (rarely), Theis, and Baynes), and generally five to six of those guys (Kyrie, Brown, Tatum, Morris, Horford, and Smart) will take up the majority of the minutes with Baynes, Theis, Rozier, and Semi all having their playing time dependent upon matchups or if one of the main guys is having a bad night.

So when we see these lineups of all bench units that are costing us games due to the huge deficit they build up, I don't think this rationale can really justify that. Especially with the injuries we've dealt with and the fact that we're going to be seeing much more integration of starter/bench lineups in the playoffs, I think simply having more integrated units is a good compromise between experimenting with differing lineups/managing minutes and still not harming our chances of winning games.

Fair points...like you mention, I'm not entirely sure what the point of the pure bench rotations is either.  I too think integration would be a better solution, but who knows, perhaps he's hoping someone on the bench steps forward as a leader for the 2nd unit instead of needing someone from the 5 to save them.  Kind of like how we occasionally saw Smart and Theis build a little relationship together...
However, as a thought experiment...imagine you're guaranteed to make the playoffs in your weak conference on the native talent you have on your team (I know, I know...we all hate this type of thinking...but if we're not good enough to naturally make the EC playoffs...then most of our discussions are moot anyway).  If that was the case, how would you use your resources for the regular season; especially considering serious injuries to starters and an unprecedented number of rookies?  Would you treat every game like a playoff-win-at-all-cost scenario...or would you give your vets plenty of rest, your rookies plenty of rope and a ton of time evaluating different combinations of young players? 
Don't mean to suggest that he's throwing games, but that he finds more value in what he and his coaches are learning about the players, even if it creates these scrappy situations and close games to teams that we're clearly better than and causes forums like these to go nuclear.

EDIT: Thanks for the TP
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tstorey_97 on December 23, 2017, 09:47:48 PM
Finally an offensive outburst!

Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: apc on December 23, 2017, 09:48:13 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Atzar on December 23, 2017, 10:04:31 PM
Lots to like from the second half tonight.  Good win.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: DefenseWinsChamps on December 23, 2017, 10:07:30 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tstorey_97 on December 23, 2017, 10:07:31 PM
The bench usage is interesting. My guess is that Ainge would prefer Nader and Yabusele get some minutes over what they got the first 20+ games which is zero. The President of Basketball operations knows a couple of things:

He spent a draft pick and a developmental year on each of these players.
If they play for 76 seconds miss one three and go back to the bench for four more dnp's fine. But, what are they doing here then? They have contracts and never letting them play....ever is, well, a waste of resources.

The other thing Ainge knows is that the Celtics aren't going to win a title this year, barring injuries to the leagues top 7 or 8 players. Thus, giving specifically these two players a chance to get better might be useful.

When rotations like this use to happen out of nowhere, I assumed the team was showcasing bench players whom would be involved in the swap.

Nader has 7 mpg and 2 ppg
Yabusele has 4.5 mpg and 2 ppg

Beyond hall of famers, no rookies/2nd year NBA player is going to get anything going without time. I honestly can't say if either of these guys will ever play much, but, might as well give them a couple of shots at showing something beyond turning it over and missing shots which they have proven they can do.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 10:12:12 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: DefenseWinsChamps on December 23, 2017, 10:12:52 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.

Did the offense look crisper? Did the defense look more in sync?
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 10:29:52 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.

Did the offense look crisper? Did the defense look more in sync?

As liam said, we blew it open in the 3rd with hot shooting behind Jaylen and Kyrie.  Defense was good throughout -- aside from 15 and 7 from Portis in the first half, no one ever got going.  On both ends, I thought guys really played within their abilities, esp Smart and Theis.  Al made some nice defensive plays at the rim.  Tatum was fairly quiet but made some nice plays in the 2nd half.  Rozier is a moron but had a nice dunk in the 4th. 
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 10:32:45 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.

Did the offense look crisper? Did the defense look more in sync?

The offense look much better through the whole game. The defense was better in the 2nd half. Defense still has a ways to go. Theis was a monster on the glass.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: tarheelsxxiii on December 23, 2017, 10:34:17 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.

Did the offense look crisper? Did the defense look more in sync?

The offense look much better through the whole game. The defense was better in the 2nd half. Defense still has a ways to go. Theis was a monster on the glass.

liam was a monster in the thread.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 10:36:50 PM
Good win, quiet board...
Its busier when there something to complain about  ;)

Christmas festivities. Can someone give me a rundown?

It was close in the 1st half and turned into a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen had a very good come back game and Theis looked very good with a double double and a new face mask.

Did the offense look crisper? Did the defense look more in sync?

The offense look much better through the whole game. The defense was better in the 2nd half. Defense still has a ways to go. Theis was a monster on the glass.

liam was a monster in the thread.

I tore it up!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: GratefulCs on December 23, 2017, 10:50:24 PM
Good win, quiet board...
tis the season

didn't you hear!? christmas is back!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: liam on December 23, 2017, 11:00:55 PM
Good win, quiet board...
tis the season

didn't you hear!? christmas is back!

I will be wearing green...
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays everyone!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: GratefulCs on December 23, 2017, 11:01:49 PM
Good win, quiet board...
tis the season

didn't you hear!? christmas is back!

I will be wearing green...
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays everyone!
TP
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: jambr380 on December 24, 2017, 08:15:10 AM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.

As others have mentioned, Xmas definitely had something to do with. I was able to watch the replay on League Pass last night so I stayed away from the forums (and all forms of media that might give away the score).

Happy to see our offense break out against a streaking team like the Bulls. I was also happy to see the refs let them play. It seems our last few games have been inundated with foul calls (especially against us). This was pretty smooth overall. Great win for the Cs!!
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Phantom255x on December 24, 2017, 10:56:01 AM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.

As others have mentioned, Xmas definitely had something to do with. I was able to watch the replay on League Pass last night so I stayed away from the forums (and all forms of media that might give away the score).

Happy to see our offense break out against a streaking team like the Bulls. I was also happy to see the refs let them play. It seems our last few games have been inundated with foul calls (especially against us). This was pretty smooth overall. Great win for the Cs!!

Yeah last night I had my phone on with the forums and kept refreshing, but couldn't post because I was with my family at a mall for much of the game's duration, and the mall was crowded too so it's not like I could just stop in the middle of the pathway and just post something  :P
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: wayupnorth on December 24, 2017, 11:18:29 AM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.

As others have mentioned, Xmas definitely had something to do with. I was able to watch the replay on League Pass last night so I stayed away from the forums (and all forms of media that might give away the score).

Happy to see our offense break out against a streaking team like the Bulls. I was also happy to see the refs let them play. It seems our last few games have been inundated with foul calls (especially against us). This was pretty smooth overall. Great win for the Cs!!

That may have played a small part in it, but he is absolutely correct.

This board/game threads are far less active after a win, particularly a blowout win.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: Roy H. on December 24, 2017, 11:30:06 AM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.

As others have mentioned, Xmas definitely had something to do with. I was able to watch the replay on League Pass last night so I stayed away from the forums (and all forms of media that might give away the score).

Happy to see our offense break out against a streaking team like the Bulls. I was also happy to see the refs let them play. It seems our last few games have been inundated with foul calls (especially against us). This was pretty smooth overall. Great win for the Cs!!

That may have played a small part in it, but he is absolutely correct.

This board/game threads are far less active after a win, particularly a blowout win.

I don’t think this is really true. Our most active time this year was during the win streak.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: wayupnorth on December 24, 2017, 01:32:38 PM
This board is way more active for losses than for wins.

As others have mentioned, Xmas definitely had something to do with. I was able to watch the replay on League Pass last night so I stayed away from the forums (and all forms of media that might give away the score).

Happy to see our offense break out against a streaking team like the Bulls. I was also happy to see the refs let them play. It seems our last few games have been inundated with foul calls (especially against us). This was pretty smooth overall. Great win for the Cs!!

That may have played a small part in it, but he is absolutely correct.

This board/game threads are far less active after a win, particularly a blowout win.

I don’t think this is really true. Our most active time this year was during the win streak.

I feel very confident ins stating that, on average, the game threads in particular are far less busy after blowout wins, than after losses.

I obviously haven't gotten the statistics on that, but it seems very clear to me that is, and has been, the case.
Title: Re: Bulls (10-21) at Celtics (26-9) Game #36 12/23/17
Post by: hwangjini_1 on December 24, 2017, 03:31:03 PM
Good win, quiet board...
tis the season

didn't you hear!? christmas is back!
ha, it never left. folks simply started acknowledging other faiths.

and having said that, happy channukkah merry christmas everyone!!!!  ;D