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Boston Celtics Have To Get Back On Track Against Washington

The Boston Celtics headed into their game against the Toronto Raptors full of belief, especially as they had won their last 4 games. Since the 29th of January Celtics had beaten Denver, New York Knicks, Atlanta and Portland and they were looking to make it 5 when they came up against the Raptors, but they had other ideas as the team put the Celtics to the sword, winning the game 111-91. While the Raptors were dominant and showed some superb play both defensively and offensively, the Celtics surprisingly seemed to struggle to get up to their normal levels of performance.

According to reputable sports sites like Betting.com, it just seemed like the Celtics failed to really get going in the game, even with Kyrie Irving returning to the fold after a three game absence due to a thigh injury. The Celtic’s have the best defense in the NBA but the Raptors, whose offence is ranked as the 4th best in the NBA, were moving the ball far too easily for most of the game. The Raptors’ defense is the third best in NBA and possibly underrated, but it held firm against what is a strong Celtics mid-pack attack, stifling it effectively.

The Celtics now have to get back on track immediately at the first time of asking against Washington. The loss in Toronto was the second largest the Celtics have suffered this season but heading into their next game they need to focus on what they were doing over the four games prior at Denver, NY Knicks, Atlanta and Portland where they won four games in a row. Their hope to bounce back quickly will be further strengthened with Kyrie Irving getting back to his normal levels as time goes on too.

The team needs to show the heart and desire that was on display against Portland for example. The Celtics had trailed 85-70 with just over 5 minutes to play before they went on an 11 point run with no reply. This was sparked by 3-pointers from Semi Ojeleye, Jayson Tatum and Al Horford and it was the latter who made a 15-foot fadeaway jumper right on the buzzer to ensure victory. They worked hard and believed right until the final throw and they need to take that into their next game.

The Celtics will certainly be up against it in their next outing against Washington too. They themselves lost in their last game against the Philadelphia 76ers in somewhat of a crush 115-102 defeat. Washington prior to that had been on a 5 game winning streak which saw them beat the Hawks, Thunder, Raptors, Magic and the Pacers and they’re certainly going to be out for revenge against the Celtics.

This could and probably should give the game a bit more of an edge as both teams come into the tie on the back of disappointing defeats which saw their winning streaks come to an end. Both sides want to win in order to get back on track and to start putting together a winning run once again and it may come down to just who wants it enough.