The Celtics had been playing much better ball over the course of their recent six-game winning streak through last weekend. At times it wasn't just entertaining, it was encouraging. Good ball movement on offense, a strong showing of grit and determination, coupled with some clutch individual and more importantly team play. It felt like the light finally went on.
Then Monday came ...
Monday night's 102-96 loss to the middling (at best) Chicago Bulls on the Celtics home floor, left a bitter taste behind. When the man who put the team together, Danny Ainge convincingly critiqued the game in its aftermath by saying "That was not fun at all," it got noticed.
Look, bad games happen. Winning streaks end and the Celtics made a bad habit of underwhelming performances for most of the winter. One ugly loss out of seven games doesn't concern me much. How it went down however and what happened afterwards in the post-game press conference with Brad Stevens, is what really rankled me.
Memo to Stevens: When you lose ugly like that, leave the injury excuses behind. Talk of the Celtics injuries either of late or in the loose context of overcoming of these much ballyhooed injuries is not only overplayed, but has officially gotten tired. A reason becomes an excuse and an excuse becomes a crutch and Steven's has been leaning on this injury crutch a bit too much for my taste of late.
Bill Parcells once famously said, "If you give a player an excuse he'll gladly take it."
That quote has resonated quite a bit in relation to not only this Celtics team, but to its Floor General specifically. It sure feels like the word "injury" is becoming a prominent part of Stevens' public vernacular. If you disagree then take the Pepsi Challenge. Just dial up a couple of the coaches' recent interviews and pressers. Here's the challenge: You need to drink every time Stevens says the word injury or responds to an injury related question. This is something he's been quite happy to oblige. One condition though, promise me you won't drive when you play.
Monday night in the post-game presser, I believe it was John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal at about the 3:40 mark whom asked about the suddenly ailing shoulders of both Tristan Thompson and Jalen Brown. Karalis casted and Stevens gladly took the bait. His eyes even became livelier when given the chance to lean on his favorite crutch, injuries.
Have the Celtics had injuries to significant players? Yes. Have some been unfortunately timed? Yes. Have those unfortunately timed injuries had an impact on their season? Yes. Should these injuries be the crutch they've become? Absolutely not.
If Bill Parcells was 'Exhibit A' on how to not give excuses life, then allow me to enter a couple of additional examples into the conversation that offer a far more productive approach.
Bill Belichick
Call me crazy but I'm going lean on the greatest coach of mine or any lifetime. Has Belichick ever given a spec of oxygen to injuries? Are you kidding me? The guy had both Julian Edelman and Troy Brown playing in the secondary for multiple games and you never heard a word of woe. How about September of the 2019 season? The Patriots entered the season losing 60 percent of their starting offensive line, their fullback, James Develin and had their most reliable pass-catcher, Julian Edelman who was nursing an injured thumb from the pre-season. No protection and nobody to throw to. Did Belichick complain? No. He signed Antonio Brown.
Now AB obviously didn't work out but you catch my drift. No time to dwell. Adapt and overcome. That's some hardcore U.S. Marine advice Belichick has taken to heart in his profession, Stevens would be wise to do the same.
Bruce Cassidy
Cassidy wins the award. Has anyone ever been more candid? I could listen to this guy lay it down all day. If the Bruins lose he'll tell you exactly why. If something's bothering him you'll know about it as I'm sure his players do. How about injuries? Minimal acknowledgement, followed by immediate acknowledgement that others need to step up when the injury bug strikes. Refreshingly candid.
No crutch there.
When rumors of Indiana University's courting of Brad Stevens surfaced a month or so ago the coach was quick to defuse the flame. Stevens is a hometown Indiana favorite son and deftly addressed the situation; cleverly touting his deepening roots in Boston citing local favorites like Dunkin' Donuts. Sneaky smart move.
To his credit, it worked a little but if he really wants to be one of us, then stop making excuses and lose that injury crutch. I've used crutches before when I tore my ACL. You know what the nurse said when she gave them to me? Don't get too comfortable on those, the idea is to get off of them.
Sound advice.
