Readers say the Celtics won’t come back against the 76ers
Sixty seven percent of respondents said they don't think Boston can win the series against Philadelphia.
Following the Celtics’ second straight loss to the 76ers in Game 5 on Tuesday, Boston.com wanted to know if fans believe a 3-2 series comeback is possible.
In the poll posted Wednesday, readers were given the playoff history between the two franchises, including the two 3-1 comebacks that Boston has made against Philly in the past.
Readers were also presented with the fact that the Celtics have made the most 3-2 series comebacks in NBA history.
None of that information seemed to persuade the majority of respondents however, as most don’t think that a comeback is in the cards for Boston.
Of the 205 respondents, sixty seven percent said they don’t think the Celtics can come back.
The reasoning for both the Boston believers and the doubters can be found below.
Why the comeback won’t happen
“This coach is in over his head. The players are undisciplined and have no idea how to close out a close game. This isn’t last year. This team just doesn’t have what it takes. I hope they prove me wrong.” – A Boston.com reader
“The team has changed…and the drive that was once there has dissipated…” – A Boston.com reader
“They’re not good enough. No heart. Terrible coach.” – A Boston.com reader
“The Celtics top players are not at the ‘Elite’ level. They cannot take charge and get the job done. They are very inconsistent with their shooting, their defense and their overall intensity. They’re more worried about what they want for themselves, and can’t function as a cohesive team.” – A Boston.com reader
“They don’t seem to have any heart, and Joe Mazzulla doesn’t have any answers.” – MK
“Players lack winning character.” – Mike, Gardner
“Because they have absolutely no discipline.” – Jack, Boston
“Because they have Jason Tatum on the team.” – A Boston.com reader
“They are too inconsistent and they shoot way too many threes.” – Margaret, Arlington
“The team is led by Jayson Tatum who doesn’t have a killer instinct like many NBA greats: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Jimmy Butler.” – A Boston.com reader
Why there’s belief in the Celtics
“They seem to be more focused on the road. And their history, including last year, should give them confidence that they can win the next two games. Also, Philly played great in Game 5. But, all the balls seemed to bounce right for [them] in that game.” – Daniel K. W., Lafayette, Indiana
“If they focus, they should be able to beat anyone.” – A Boston.com reader
“They will feel the need to redeem themselves from this lackluster performance of last night’s game.” – Chris, Brooklyn, New York
“Because they are ultimately the better and deeper team.” – Michael S.
“Of course they CAN come back, but I also bet they will. They had a better record, have more recent success in the post-season (and vis-a-vis each other), and have a deeper lineup. They also tend to play better in elimination games.” – Brian S., Boston
“They’re a better overall team than Philly. Tatum, Brogdon, White and Al all being cold again seems unlikely as well as another 40 [point] Harden game. Either of which could easily lead to another C’s loss, but I think Philly has used up its magic and Boston will not be collectively cold again.” – A Boston.com reader
“Embiid not healthy, Harden is streaky and Celtics role players are better – just haven’t played like it to date.” – Les K., Brandon, Mississippi
“Our stars will find a way, with White and Malcom adding production on both ends.” – Dan, North Andover
“Experience and adjustments.” – Mike, Wellesley
“They should bounce back in Game 6 and then they are very hard to beat in front of a raucous crowd at home in Game 7.” – Steve, New Hampshire
Some responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
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