Thirty-six games into what has been a feel-good, it’s-safe-to-like-these-guys-again season, your 2019-20 Boston Celtics have officially driven into a rut.
They have lost three games in a row for the first time this season. Two of the losses came against teams below .500 (Bradley Beal-less Wizards, Spurs). The third loss came Thursday night against a Joel Embiid-less Sixers team that is now 3-0 against the Celtics this season. Philly is a severely flawed team, but as constructed, it could be a significant impediment to the Celtics’ grander aspirations in the postseason.
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While coach Brad Stevens said he found some encouraging moments in the loss to the Sixers — the collective effort was certainly greater than it was against the Wiz or Spurs — he also acknowledged that he’s had some concerns about his team’s play since the stirring Christmas Day win over the defending champion Raptors.