For three games in a row, the Boston Celtics have fallen into old habits. The same old habits that plagued them throughout the 2023 playoffs. The same old habits that prevented them from winning the 2022 NBA Finals. The same old habits that have followed them throughout the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era.
Against the Toronto Raptors, a 16-point lead turned into a one-possession win. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, a 10-point lead was whittled down the same. And against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, it was an 18-point lead that met the same fate.
“It’s the first time we blew a lead, and we have to go back and understand why we did it,” said head coach Joe Mazzulla.