The Boston Celtics added another option to the “worst loss of the season” category after leading by as much as 18 points in the fourth quarter. Where the Celtics coasted, gave up or plainly choked, the Charlotte Hornets did the opposite to win 124-117.
It seemed the Hornets comeback started a few minutes into the final quarter, when the Celtics still held a sizable lead. However, Kyrie Irving felt differently. He told reporters in Charlotte the game was lost well before the final whistle or even before Boston had its 18-point lead.
Game was over in the beginning of the fourth quarter. Took our foot off the gas pedal. [It] got to a five-point game [and] momentum shifted from there.
There’s no denying the Celtics took their foot off the gas. But when you’re up by 18 points in the last quarter of the game, that shouldn’t be the problem it became on Saturday.
At the crux of everything, Boston’s issue continues to be the fact their problems tend to snowball. Whether it’s game-to-game or what happened against Charlotte on Saturday, it’s a problem they’ve not been able to fix this season and can impact every aspect of the team’s game.
And it’s what will hold them back from maximizing on their opportunity in the postseason.
