Celtics offense struggles in loss to Bulls, 89-80
The most frustrating aspect about this Celtics team has been their inconsistent showing on the offensive end. Losing to the Pistons at home is inexcusable especially with a game the following night against the Chicago Bulls. Boston can’t afford to tail off into another losing streak during this shortened lock out induced season.
Outside of the Celtics 10-2 run to end out the first quarter, this game has been fairly even. Rajon Rondo hit a couple of jumpers and the rest of the Celtics are making their shots. Chicago is not shooting the ball well in the first but their ability to get to the free throw line have kept them in this game. I expect that Rajon will continue to be aggressive to set the pace of the game. Boston will need to do a better job of getting Ray Allen some open shots as he has struggled lately.
Boston offensively struggled. Ray Allen missed all five of his shot attempts in the first half. The ball movement was pathetic as players opted to dribble instead of passing. Granted the Bulls are a fantastic defensive team who don’t allow many easy passes. Six assists in the first half is not the normal for this team. The Bulls have decided to play tight on the other four players while playing Rondo one on one daring him to shoot. This formula worked for the Pistons because no one else stepped up. The same results are happening so far tonight.
Boston was able to close the third quarter with a 22-7 run led by the famous 2-3 zone that they have incorporated this season. The Bulls missed Derrick Rose, who would have been able to break this zone down. The Celtics also were able to get Ray Allen open, allowing Super Ray to make a few threes to swing the momentum. Going into the fourth quarter, the Celtics trail by only one.
Chicago shot lights out in the fourth quarter. As a team they were shooting 70% with only three minutes remaining. The Bulls won the rebounding battle and had a lot more assists than the Celtics had in this game. The 20-11 run to end the game by the Bulls was the difference. Those being two categories that usually determine the winner and loser of games. Where the energy went for the Celtics is beyond me because the inconsistency of this team is without a doubt the most frustrating part.
