The Boston Celtics, who had an impressive home winning streak, suffered their second consecutive defeat, this time against the LA Clippers with a score of 115-96. 

The loss, following another defeat against the Denver Nuggets, raises questions about the Celtics’ performance against top-tier teams in the league.

Jrue Holiday described the game as a “good old-fashioned ass-whooping,” acknowledging that the Clippers outperformed the Celtics in various aspects, including rebounding, transition play, and 50/50 balls. 

The defeat highlighted a trend where the Celtics, despite having the NBA’s best record, struggle against other top teams, boasting a 5-6 record against the top seven teams in the league.

The Clippers’ defensive execution played a significant role in disrupting Boston’s rhythm, preventing them from hitting open shots. 

The Celtics’ offensive struggles were evident as they were on track for one of the seven games shooting below 30 percent in franchise history. The Clippers’ defense effectively targeted matchups, closed out on shooters, and executed help rotations.

Head coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need for the team to handle success and adversity consistently. While the recent losses serve as a reminder of the challenges in the NBA, Udoka believes in the character of the team and expects them to bounce back.

The Celtics, who had been avoiding trap games and maintaining a strong record, now face the task of regaining momentum against top-caliber opponents. Udoka acknowledges the difficulty of consistently winning and handling success, and the team will focus on maintaining their character and resilience as they aim to rebound from the recent setbacks.