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I'm not sure I've ever seen a team so good at playing when they are down 20+ points. Credit this team for never giving up, but criticize them for not getting up for games when the ball is tipped. If they could just be tricked into thinking they are down 20 points at the start of the game, things might go much better for them. Forget the brain doctor, can we get a hypnotist in here?
After being down 27 points the Celtics got it all the way down to 6 points (I think) and just didn't have enough to complete the comeback.
- The Celtics streak of not allowing a 30 point scorer ended tonight when Westbrook got 31. I wasn't even aware they had a streak like this going, but ok.
- Durant and Westbrook are quite a pair aren't they? 59 points combined.
- Avery played admirably, but I think we missed Rondo tonight. Don't tell me we are better off without him. Just don't.
- KG had one of his better statistical nights with a season high 13 rebounds. For what it is worth.
- The plus/minus stats tell a bit of a story here. The starters (other than Ray) were hovering around even while the majority of the bench was in double digits negatives.
- Bottom line, you can't keep getting down 20 or more points and expect to win enough games to make the playoffs, never mind make noise in the playoffs. This team is an 8 seed right now and things could get worse.
- With that said, if you are looking for excuses, they were playing one of the top contenders and perhaps the best Western team. So tip of the hat to them for taking care of business.
On to the All Star break and a much needed rest. Hopefully the 2nd half of the year will have a better story than the first. Looming is the trade deadline. Stay tuned.