Why do the Celtics seem to blow so many large leads this season?

[Celtic_Pride777]

So far, we've blown double-digit leads against the Spurs and Raptors, while nearly blowing a large lead against the Heat.

I know basketball is a game of a runs....but is there anything fundamentally wrong with our lineups, that we can't close out games or compete for 48 minutes?

[Csfan1984]

A vet scorer off the bench is needed. Or a big man you can go to more off the bench that actually wants the ball like a Greg Monroe or Okafor. So mainly its about a more consistent scorer off the bench that won't be rattled.

[tazzmaniac]

Small double digit leads outside the 4th quarter don't mean much.   Our biggest leads against the Raptors and Spurs were 14 and they occurred in the 1st half of both games.  The Raptors led the whole 4th and the Spurs almost led the whole 4th.  We maintained a steady lead against the Heat throughout the 4th. 

http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161209&game=TORBOS
http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161125&game=SASBOS
http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161128&game=BOSMIA

[Celtic_Pride777]

Bump for emphasis

Small double digit leads outside the 4th quarter don't mean much.   Our biggest leads against the Raptors and Spurs were 14 and they occurred in the 1st half of both games.  The Raptors led the whole 4th and the Spurs almost led the whole 4th.  We maintained a steady lead against the Heat throughout the 4th. 

http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161209&game=TORBOS
http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161125&game=SASBOS
http://popcornmachine.net/gf?date=20161128&game=BOSMIA

5 times this season, Celtics have blown 10+ point leads, often during crucial stretches. Don't try to downplay this...this team is not competing well or being consistent long enough to win games

[ssspence]

No one who can create their own shot at the basket?

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I think we are taking our lumps early this season so that our young guys can learn. We will need them.

I know we are spoiled and all, but seriously, our future is super bright.

Rozier looks like a starter in the future. Smart is probably a starter (as long as he is not asked to be a scorer too much). Brown looks like a starter in the future.

How many other teams have 3 young studs like that on their roster, while still being a playoff team?

[mr. dee]

Need to develop Brown as a go-to scorer early.

[flybono]

There is zero defensive presence in the frontcourt. None!

Attribute that to no Center who can control the paint at both ends and you are who you are.

Start Brown and let him develop as a starting player!

[Kuberski33]

Too reliant on the 3 pointer. 

[ssspence]

Too reliant on the 3 pointer.

Yep. Same as my post above.

[PhoSita]

Rebounding, free throws.  Reminds me of the 2010 team.

[trickybilly]

Need to develop Brown as a go-to scorer early.

Well he has been first guy off the bench, and we run a set for him usually second or third time down the floor..

[trickybilly]

Rebounding, free throws.  Reminds me of the 2010 team.

Every team since the 80s to be fair.

[green_bballers13]

So far, we've blown double-digit leads against the Spurs and Raptors, while nearly blowing a large lead against the Heat.

I know basketball is a game of a runs....but is there anything fundamentally wrong with our lineups, that we can't close out games or compete for 48 minutes?

I don't think it's a big trend to worry about. I don't expect Horford to continue to shoot himself in the foot. Isaiah, their top scorer, should be back.

They need more scoring to compete with guys like Russell Westbrook in the 4th. I wasn't sleeping on OKC tonight. They're a legit top 10 team in the NBA.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Rebounding, free throws.  Reminds me of the 2010 team.

Every team since the 80s to be fair.

Yeah, basically. For pretty much my entire adult life (I'm 40) the Celtics haven't been great at rebounding, or getting to the line; haven't had many shot creators; and instead jack up way too many outside shots, even when they don't have a lot of good outside shooters.

Even if this team gets its collective head out of the sand, it's not going far—not enough rebounding or FT attempts.