It's hard beating a team two, three, four straight times in the playoffs. The Celtics (in game 5) looked like a team that was coasting (after having won two straight in Chicago), and the Bulls looked like a hungry, angry team that was tired of losing (for a full three quarters), before the wheels came off. The Celtics (and the refs?) did enough to win that game, and the Bulls imploded. After watching that game, it would be easy to say that the Bulls, after losing Rondo, finally have a better understanding of what it will take to defeat the Celtics, and that after having played a very good game in Boston, they have a good chance to even things up at home. But that kind of thinking might be fools gold, especially when you consider this news:
Isaiah Thomas to leave Celtics for sister's funeral after Game 6
The article goes on to say:
CHICAGO -- Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas is expected to travel home to Tacoma, Washington, after Friday's Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls to attend his sister's funeral, a source told ESPN on Thursday, confirming a Boston Globe report.
Chyna Thomas died following a single-vehicle accident April 15. As family and friends gathered Thursday for the first of two nights of viewing, Thomas traveled with the Celtics to Chicago, where he's expected to play in Friday's Game 6.
The Celtics, who lead the Bulls 3-2, can clinch the best-of-seven series with a victory Friday night.
If the Celtics and Bulls require a Game 7, it would be Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Boston. Sunday also could be the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals if both the Boston-Chicago and Washington-Atlanta series are completed Friday night.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens previously noted he'd like to give teammates the opportunity to attend the funeral for Thomas' sister if the schedule allowed. The Celtics organization will be represented at the funeral, a source told ESPN.
Stevens called it "unfathomable" that Thomas has played so well under the circumstances. Before Wednesday's Game 5, Stevens said Thomas' situation has given the team perspective.
Said Stevens: "Sometimes you realize this is just a game."
What all this means is:
The Celtics have every incentive in the world to end the series tomorrow so that their teammate can have a peaceful funeral (i.e., will not have to worry about a game 7 on Sunday or even a game 1, if the Wizards lose). Now you might say, "the Celtics want to close out the series regardless," but that would be missing the point. Listen to what the coach said "Sometimes you realize this is just a game." This means that winning the game for their friend (so he, and possibly they, can attend the funeral) might mean more to them than simply trying to win it to close out the series. Psychological cappers know that athletes often compete harder when there is some personal/private incentive that goes beyond just trying to win the game. In this case, it seems like the Celtics have found their rallying cry (especially as Atlanta has a good chance of beating the Wizards). Believe me, I would like nothing better than to see the Bulls win this game (because of my giant parlay that includes the Bulls), but I just don't see it happening--certainly not after this news. And if you are worried about shady officiating, I think even the league (because of the IT situation) might lay off this game and not try to force a game 7.
It's hard beating a team two, three, four straight times in the playoffs. The Celtics (in game 5) looked like a team that was coasting (after having won two straight in Chicago), and the Bulls looked like a hungry, angry team that was tired of losing (for a full three quarters), before the wheels came off. The Celtics (and the refs?) did enough to win that game, and the Bulls imploded. After watching that game, it would be easy to say that the Bulls, after losing Rondo, finally have a better understanding of what it will take to defeat the Celtics, and that after having played a very good game in Boston, they have a good chance to even things up at home. But that kind of thinking might be fools gold, especially when you consider this news:
Isaiah Thomas to leave Celtics for sister's funeral after Game 6
The article goes on to say:
CHICAGO -- Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas is expected to travel home to Tacoma, Washington, after Friday's Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls to attend his sister's funeral, a source told ESPN on Thursday, confirming a Boston Globe report.
Chyna Thomas died following a single-vehicle accident April 15. As family and friends gathered Thursday for the first of two nights of viewing, Thomas traveled with the Celtics to Chicago, where he's expected to play in Friday's Game 6.
The Celtics, who lead the Bulls 3-2, can clinch the best-of-seven series with a victory Friday night.
If the Celtics and Bulls require a Game 7, it would be Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in Boston. Sunday also could be the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals if both the Boston-Chicago and Washington-Atlanta series are completed Friday night.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens previously noted he'd like to give teammates the opportunity to attend the funeral for Thomas' sister if the schedule allowed. The Celtics organization will be represented at the funeral, a source told ESPN.
Stevens called it "unfathomable" that Thomas has played so well under the circumstances. Before Wednesday's Game 5, Stevens said Thomas' situation has given the team perspective.
Said Stevens: "Sometimes you realize this is just a game."
What all this means is:
The Celtics have every incentive in the world to end the series tomorrow so that their teammate can have a peaceful funeral (i.e., will not have to worry about a game 7 on Sunday or even a game 1, if the Wizards lose). Now you might say, "the Celtics want to close out the series regardless," but that would be missing the point. Listen to what the coach said "Sometimes you realize this is just a game." This means that winning the game for their friend (so he, and possibly they, can attend the funeral) might mean more to them than simply trying to win it to close out the series. Psychological cappers know that athletes often compete harder when there is some personal/private incentive that goes beyond just trying to win the game. In this case, it seems like the Celtics have found their rallying cry (especially as Atlanta has a good chance of beating the Wizards). Believe me, I would like nothing better than to see the Bulls win this game (because of my giant parlay that includes the Bulls), but I just don't see it happening--certainly not after this news. And if you are worried about shady officiating, I think even the league (because of the IT situation) might lay off this game and not try to force a game 7.
Rondo is confirmed out for today's game. For me it's a no pick,but this is an interesting article.I think these celtics are starting to be a little supponent,planning ahead to serie still not over.Last game wasnt a blowout,even if thomas shot 1- 10 for three.
Rondo is confirmed out for today's game. For me it's a no pick,but this is an interesting article.I think these celtics are starting to be a little supponent,planning ahead to serie still not over.Last game wasnt a blowout,even if thomas shot 1- 10 for three.
Just out of curiosity if I'm understanding this correctly you're saying I. Thomas will be missing after game 6 for funeral, so say if Chicago somehow wins game 6 does this mean Chicago will play Boston without I. Thomas for game 7? Not saying Boston isn't going to win game 6 but if they don't win there's great value to bet a small amount on Chicago to win this series now before game 6 cause if Chicago somehow wins game 6, Chicago will more likely win game 7 without I. Thomas playing.
Just out of curiosity if I'm understanding this correctly you're saying I. Thomas will be missing after game 6 for funeral, so say if Chicago somehow wins game 6 does this mean Chicago will play Boston without I. Thomas for game 7? Not saying Boston isn't going to win game 6 but if they don't win there's great value to bet a small amount on Chicago to win this series now before game 6 cause if Chicago somehow wins game 6, Chicago will more likely win game 7 without I. Thomas playing.
Just out of curiosity if I'm understanding this correctly you're saying I. Thomas will be missing after game 6 for funeral, so say if Chicago somehow wins game 6 does this mean Chicago will play Boston without I. Thomas for game 7? Not saying Boston isn't going to win game 6 but if they don't win there's great value to bet a small amount on Chicago to win this series now before game 6 cause if Chicago somehow wins game 6, Chicago will more likely win game 7 without I. Thomas playing.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
Just out of curiosity if I'm understanding this correctly you're saying I. Thomas will be missing after game 6 for funeral, so say if Chicago somehow wins game 6 does this mean Chicago will play Boston without I. Thomas for game 7? Not saying Boston isn't going to win game 6 but if they don't win there's great value to bet a small amount on Chicago to win this series now before game 6 cause if Chicago somehow wins game 6, Chicago will more likely win game 7 without I. Thomas playing.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
I understood how strong or how good a play Boston would be with all their motivation and reasons to win but all I'm looking at is or saying is if for some reason Chicago pulls off the big big upset and wins tonight does that mean I. Thomas won't be there to play game 7? If Chiacgo somehow pulls off the big upset just imagine the great possibility of Chicago winning this series since I. Thomas won't be playing from what bb is saying with that info above there is some value to take Chicago to win this series.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
I understood how strong or how good a play Boston would be with all their motivation and reasons to win but all I'm looking at is or saying is if for some reason Chicago pulls off the big big upset and wins tonight does that mean I. Thomas won't be there to play game 7? If Chiacgo somehow pulls off the big upset just imagine the great possibility of Chicago winning this series since I. Thomas won't be playing from what bb is saying with that info above there is some value to take Chicago to win this series.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
Scal, I'll go a step further and not only second what you said but I bet you anything Stevens and the organization probably found subtle ways to exploit the tragedy and use it as a motivational tool for the Celtics to go out and win games (just as I am sure they are doing tonight)! Anyway, that is where we are as a society.
No, he's simply saying the team wants to close it out tonight so they can all leave for a funeral without the mental baggage (which is enormous) of a Game 7, which you also have to prep for.
So to eliminate that pressure and support their teammate in solidarity, there is added motivation to close it out tonight, on top of no Rondo and on top of the fact the Celtics have comfortably won 3 in a row.
It's funny but Stevens is is espousing a blatant contradiction.
"It's just a game" BUT play in it while you are grieving and preparing for a wake and funeral of your sister.
If it truly was "just a game", Stevens and the Celtics would tell him to take off as much time as he needs, like most any other job and not worry about the game or playoffs for that matter, at all.
Scal, I'll go a step further and not only second what you said but I bet you anything Stevens and the organization probably found subtle ways to exploit the tragedy and use it as a motivational tool for the Celtics to go out and win games (just as I am sure they are doing tonight)! Anyway, that is where we are as a society.
BB great read as always but I look at it the opposite: with no guaranteed Sunday NBA after a day off Saturday doesn't the league pray for a Bulls/Celtics G7? I doubt all 3 of these games tonight force game 7s which are the only ones slated for Sunday, so that means probably 2 or at least 1 go to G7 and what better one for sure than a Celtic team coming home after a funeral to face a win and advance scenario? I've got to believe the entire Celtics team will travel with IT to Tacoma for the funeral and that has to way heavy on all their minds during this game. They've already gone to the well twice in Chicago and been successful, I don't think lightening strikes 3 times. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist but I do strongly believe in influence and circumstances and to me it makes perfect sense that Boston falters a bit in this game emotionally knowing what they are flying to after the game and coming off 2 huuuge wins in Chicago already. I think Bulls find a way to win tonight to set up the multiple Sunday threads that can discuss "how do Celtics come into this G7 off that beating in Chicago then travel to Tacoma then back to Boston for such a critical game?" It'll be a great Sunday thread should Chicago win tonight which I think they will as things aren't as easy as "hey guys lets go tuck this one away in Chicago so we can focus on this funeral and not have to worry about a G7 Sunday.", not happening grasshopper. Good luck man.
BB great read as always but I look at it the opposite: with no guaranteed Sunday NBA after a day off Saturday doesn't the league pray for a Bulls/Celtics G7? I doubt all 3 of these games tonight force game 7s which are the only ones slated for Sunday, so that means probably 2 or at least 1 go to G7 and what better one for sure than a Celtic team coming home after a funeral to face a win and advance scenario? I've got to believe the entire Celtics team will travel with IT to Tacoma for the funeral and that has to way heavy on all their minds during this game. They've already gone to the well twice in Chicago and been successful, I don't think lightening strikes 3 times. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist but I do strongly believe in influence and circumstances and to me it makes perfect sense that Boston falters a bit in this game emotionally knowing what they are flying to after the game and coming off 2 huuuge wins in Chicago already. I think Bulls find a way to win tonight to set up the multiple Sunday threads that can discuss "how do Celtics come into this G7 off that beating in Chicago then travel to Tacoma then back to Boston for such a critical game?" It'll be a great Sunday thread should Chicago win tonight which I think they will as things aren't as easy as "hey guys lets go tuck this one away in Chicago so we can focus on this funeral and not have to worry about a G7 Sunday.", not happening grasshopper. Good luck man.
You are 100% correct in all angles BB. Coach Stevens will coach this game as if its a game 7. This is a young team with a likable budding superstar. He is hurting and all the powers that be know this. Granted the bulls are home and have incentives as well but they don't seem to be clicking without Rondo. If boston loses tonight i believe they lose the series. Emotional week takes its toll. I believe coach Stevens is aware of this and will whatever it takes to close out tonight and let his team grieve. good luck BB great insight as always
You are 100% correct in all angles BB. Coach Stevens will coach this game as if its a game 7. This is a young team with a likable budding superstar. He is hurting and all the powers that be know this. Granted the bulls are home and have incentives as well but they don't seem to be clicking without Rondo. If boston loses tonight i believe they lose the series. Emotional week takes its toll. I believe coach Stevens is aware of this and will whatever it takes to close out tonight and let his team grieve. good luck BB great insight as always
BB great read as always but I look at it the opposite: with no guaranteed Sunday NBA after a day off Saturday doesn't the league pray for a Bulls/Celtics G7? I doubt all 3 of these games tonight force game 7s which are the only ones slated for Sunday, so that means probably 2 or at least 1 go to G7 and what better one for sure than a Celtic team coming home after a funeral to face a win and advance scenario? I've got to believe the entire Celtics team will travel with IT to Tacoma for the funeral and that has to way heavy on all their minds during this game. They've already gone to the well twice in Chicago and been successful, I don't think lightening strikes 3 times. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist but I do strongly believe in influence and circumstances and to me it makes perfect sense that Boston falters a bit in this game emotionally knowing what they are flying to after the game and coming off 2 huuuge wins in Chicago already. I think Bulls find a way to win tonight to set up the multiple Sunday threads that can discuss "how do Celtics come into this G7 off that beating in Chicago then travel to Tacoma then back to Boston for such a critical game?" It'll be a great Sunday thread should Chicago win tonight which I think they will as things aren't as easy as "hey guys lets go tuck this one away in Chicago so we can focus on this funeral and not have to worry about a G7 Sunday.", not happening grasshopper. Good luck man.
That is certainly a great rationale for backing Chicago. It's the antithesis to my thesis for backing Boston. That would make a great story and if this was the WWE I would bet your side. Unfortunately, even though the NBA (as a professional league) is as close as you can get to the WWE, from what I have seen so far the Celtics had their letdown game in game 5. Chicago could have (and should have) stolen that game. Wade went back into the time machine with a vintage performance (28 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) and I doubt he has another game like that left in him. And if he does not, who is going to help Butler who is battling knee issues? I just don't see it happening...but I would love to be wrong.
BB great read as always but I look at it the opposite: with no guaranteed Sunday NBA after a day off Saturday doesn't the league pray for a Bulls/Celtics G7? I doubt all 3 of these games tonight force game 7s which are the only ones slated for Sunday, so that means probably 2 or at least 1 go to G7 and what better one for sure than a Celtic team coming home after a funeral to face a win and advance scenario? I've got to believe the entire Celtics team will travel with IT to Tacoma for the funeral and that has to way heavy on all their minds during this game. They've already gone to the well twice in Chicago and been successful, I don't think lightening strikes 3 times. I'm not a big conspiracy theorist but I do strongly believe in influence and circumstances and to me it makes perfect sense that Boston falters a bit in this game emotionally knowing what they are flying to after the game and coming off 2 huuuge wins in Chicago already. I think Bulls find a way to win tonight to set up the multiple Sunday threads that can discuss "how do Celtics come into this G7 off that beating in Chicago then travel to Tacoma then back to Boston for such a critical game?" It'll be a great Sunday thread should Chicago win tonight which I think they will as things aren't as easy as "hey guys lets go tuck this one away in Chicago so we can focus on this funeral and not have to worry about a G7 Sunday.", not happening grasshopper. Good luck man.
That is certainly a great rationale for backing Chicago. It's the antithesis to my thesis for backing Boston. That would make a great story and if this was the WWE I would bet your side. Unfortunately, even though the NBA (as a professional league) is as close as you can get to the WWE, from what I have seen so far the Celtics had their letdown game in game 5. Chicago could have (and should have) stolen that game. Wade went back into the time machine with a vintage performance (28 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) and I doubt he has another game like that left in him. And if he does not, who is going to help Butler who is battling knee issues? I just don't see it happening...but I would love to be wrong.
Scal, I'll go a step further and not only second what you said but I bet you anything Stevens and the organization probably found subtle ways to exploit the tragedy and use it as a motivational tool for the Celtics to go out and win games (just as I am sure they are doing tonight)! Anyway, that is where we are as a society.
Here, here. And why wouldn't they? Harnessing the honoring of the deceased is ultra-powerful.
Scal, I'll go a step further and not only second what you said but I bet you anything Stevens and the organization probably found subtle ways to exploit the tragedy and use it as a motivational tool for the Celtics to go out and win games (just as I am sure they are doing tonight)! Anyway, that is where we are as a society.
Here, here. And why wouldn't they? Harnessing the honoring of the deceased is ultra-powerful.
It's beyond strange that an NBA team's playoff run was immediately thrown off the rails by a 22-year old woman some 3,000 miles away driving her car in the wee hours on a freeway while sleepy and not wearing her seatbelt to boot. She probably eschewed seat belts for years, and on one early Saturday morning in April of 2017 she didn't get away with it. She cost herself everything and left her family in a state of shock and grief, and on a far less important note, her totally avoidable fatal accident left the Boston Celtics with very difficult emotional hurdles to overcome in their first round playoff series. I give the Celtics credit for regrouping after being forced to play joylessly in Games 1 & 2, but now the impending funeral of Isaiah's sister has become a major distraction as was the terrible news of the accident itself. I don't see how these funeral plans can be spun into a positive motivating factor. This is just bad. It's nothing but bad. Isaiah already left the team once to make a long flight home and after this game he has to go there again, and this time some teammates will accompany him? How is this gonna work? If the Wizards close out the Hawks tonight, there will be a game in Boston on Sunday at 1pm. The only question is whether the visitors will be from Chicago or Washington. When are these Celtics players supposed to arrive back in Boston? Late Saturday night? Very late Saturday night? I guess what I'm getting at is this Thomas family tragedy has made this first round a lot harder than it needed to be and I don't buy putting any kind of positive spin on it in terms of increased motivation to win. I think the Celtics are more likely than not to lose tonight, and even if they win they won't be ready to get the second round started on Sunday.
It's beyond strange that an NBA team's playoff run was immediately thrown off the rails by a 22-year old woman some 3,000 miles away driving her car in the wee hours on a freeway while sleepy and not wearing her seatbelt to boot. She probably eschewed seat belts for years, and on one early Saturday morning in April of 2017 she didn't get away with it. She cost herself everything and left her family in a state of shock and grief, and on a far less important note, her totally avoidable fatal accident left the Boston Celtics with very difficult emotional hurdles to overcome in their first round playoff series. I give the Celtics credit for regrouping after being forced to play joylessly in Games 1 & 2, but now the impending funeral of Isaiah's sister has become a major distraction as was the terrible news of the accident itself. I don't see how these funeral plans can be spun into a positive motivating factor. This is just bad. It's nothing but bad. Isaiah already left the team once to make a long flight home and after this game he has to go there again, and this time some teammates will accompany him? How is this gonna work? If the Wizards close out the Hawks tonight, there will be a game in Boston on Sunday at 1pm. The only question is whether the visitors will be from Chicago or Washington. When are these Celtics players supposed to arrive back in Boston? Late Saturday night? Very late Saturday night? I guess what I'm getting at is this Thomas family tragedy has made this first round a lot harder than it needed to be and I don't buy putting any kind of positive spin on it in terms of increased motivation to win. I think the Celtics are more likely than not to lose tonight, and even if they win they won't be ready to get the second round started on Sunday.
It's beyond strange that an NBA team's playoff run was immediately thrown off the rails by a 22-year old woman some 3,000 miles away driving her car in the wee hours on a freeway while sleepy and not wearing her seatbelt to boot. She probably eschewed seat belts for years, and on one early Saturday morning in April of 2017 she didn't get away with it. She cost herself everything and left her family in a state of shock and grief, and on a far less important note, her totally avoidable fatal accident left the Boston Celtics with very difficult emotional hurdles to overcome in their first round playoff series. I give the Celtics credit for regrouping after being forced to play joylessly in Games 1 & 2, but now the impending funeral of Isaiah's sister has become a major distraction as was the terrible news of the accident itself. I don't see how these funeral plans can be spun into a positive motivating factor. This is just bad. It's nothing but bad. Isaiah already left the team once to make a long flight home and after this game he has to go there again, and this time some teammates will accompany him? How is this gonna work? If the Wizards close out the Hawks tonight, there will be a game in Boston on Sunday at 1pm. The only question is whether the visitors will be from Chicago or Washington. When are these Celtics players supposed to arrive back in Boston? Late Saturday night? Very late Saturday night? I guess what I'm getting at is this Thomas family tragedy has made this first round a lot harder than it needed to be and I don't buy putting any kind of positive spin on it in terms of increased motivation to win. I think the Celtics are more likely than not to lose tonight, and even if they win they won't be ready to get the second round started on Sunday.
Great insights, Mr. Bator. The Hawks game starts 30 minutes before Celtics v Bulls, so the Celtics won't exactly know the results, but the likelihood of a game 7 in that series are high (imo). Yes, the funeral is a huge distraction, but it has the potential to become an even bigger distraction if the Celtics don't take care of business tonight. Perhaps after dropping the first couple of games (due to this tragic incident), the Celtics have learned how to cope or deal with the situation a little better, or maybe not. If the Celtics end up having to play the Wizards on Sunday, they will be a great fade (imo), based on everything you have said, as well as the fact that Wizards hate the Celtics (and vice versa).
On the other side, the funeral plans should give the Bulls some "hope" (though what I said is pretty morbid and sad) in that if they force a game 7, they will have an edge over the Celtics who, as you put, must travel for a funeral and then travel back before Sunday's game 7. I may be totally off here, but I think if the league had its way, it would have the Hawks go to a 7th game against the Wiz and let the C's finish this thing tonight (it's the only right thing to do after all that IT and the team has been through).
It's beyond strange that an NBA team's playoff run was immediately thrown off the rails by a 22-year old woman some 3,000 miles away driving her car in the wee hours on a freeway while sleepy and not wearing her seatbelt to boot. She probably eschewed seat belts for years, and on one early Saturday morning in April of 2017 she didn't get away with it. She cost herself everything and left her family in a state of shock and grief, and on a far less important note, her totally avoidable fatal accident left the Boston Celtics with very difficult emotional hurdles to overcome in their first round playoff series. I give the Celtics credit for regrouping after being forced to play joylessly in Games 1 & 2, but now the impending funeral of Isaiah's sister has become a major distraction as was the terrible news of the accident itself. I don't see how these funeral plans can be spun into a positive motivating factor. This is just bad. It's nothing but bad. Isaiah already left the team once to make a long flight home and after this game he has to go there again, and this time some teammates will accompany him? How is this gonna work? If the Wizards close out the Hawks tonight, there will be a game in Boston on Sunday at 1pm. The only question is whether the visitors will be from Chicago or Washington. When are these Celtics players supposed to arrive back in Boston? Late Saturday night? Very late Saturday night? I guess what I'm getting at is this Thomas family tragedy has made this first round a lot harder than it needed to be and I don't buy putting any kind of positive spin on it in terms of increased motivation to win. I think the Celtics are more likely than not to lose tonight, and even if they win they won't be ready to get the second round started on Sunday.
Great insights, Mr. Bator. The Hawks game starts 30 minutes before Celtics v Bulls, so the Celtics won't exactly know the results, but the likelihood of a game 7 in that series are high (imo). Yes, the funeral is a huge distraction, but it has the potential to become an even bigger distraction if the Celtics don't take care of business tonight. Perhaps after dropping the first couple of games (due to this tragic incident), the Celtics have learned how to cope or deal with the situation a little better, or maybe not. If the Celtics end up having to play the Wizards on Sunday, they will be a great fade (imo), based on everything you have said, as well as the fact that Wizards hate the Celtics (and vice versa).
On the other side, the funeral plans should give the Bulls some "hope" (though what I said is pretty morbid and sad) in that if they force a game 7, they will have an edge over the Celtics who, as you put, must travel for a funeral and then travel back before Sunday's game 7. I may be totally off here, but I think if the league had its way, it would have the Hawks go to a 7th game against the Wiz and let the C's finish this thing tonight (it's the only right thing to do after all that IT and the team has been through).
Mr Bator I disagree I think there is a motivator in all this: namely, guys look at how hard Thomas is playing through all of this. You owe it to him to play just as hard to put this to bed in 6. If he can focus extra hard then you sure as heII can
Mr Bator I disagree I think there is a motivator in all this: namely, guys look at how hard Thomas is playing through all of this. You owe it to him to play just as hard to put this to bed in 6. If he can focus extra hard then you sure as heII can
yeah, I like psychological angles, but this funeral angle is bullshit, It is playoff match, and this isn't a match to close series 4:0 where losing team don't care much. This funeral motivation stuff mean nothing compared to stake of 3:2 series.
yeah, I like psychological angles, but this funeral angle is bullshit, It is playoff match, and this isn't a match to close series 4:0 where losing team don't care much. This funeral motivation stuff mean nothing compared to stake of 3:2 series.
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