Morning Sports Update: Isaiah Thomas after second straight blowout: ‘We’re not playing hard’
The Celtics were blown out in another game they were expected to win.
The Celtics suffered another embarrassing loss to fall below .500, and Bill Belichick stonewalled the media in yesterday’s biggest sports stories.
Isaiah Thomas laments Celtics’ lack of effort: “We’re in a bad funk”: Once again, the Celtics looked uncharacteristically apprehensive; they were hesitant to attack the boards, and they were sluggish or passive on defense. “One thing I think is, we’re not the hardest-playing team no more,” Isaiah Thomas said. “That’s who we were. That’s what made us one of the best defensive teams in the league. That’s what made us win 48 games last year. We have to find that swag.” (WEEI)
Celtics dominated by Otto Porter, Wizards: The Celtics were expected to be among the best teams in the league this season, but have managed just three wins so far (although in fairness, one came against the first place Hornets). The biggest issue to this point has been replacing the defense and rebounding lost with the departure of Jared Sullinger and Evan Turner, as well as the injured Jae Crowder and Al Horford. “Obviously we’re not playing very well, and we have to improve,” Brad Stevens said. (WEEI)
Bill Belichick should have explained why he violated his own no-distractions policy: One issue within sports is whether athletes and coaches have a responsibility as public figures to make and own statements and actions made off the field. This has been a recurring theme for the Patriots this season, with continued questions about Tom Brady and Bill Belichick supporting the recently elected Donald Trump. Predictably, Belichick had little to say about anything beyond this week’s game. (Boston.com)
David Ortiz to receive Boston Pride Award at the Globies: One figure who has made the most of his position in the spotlight is David Ortiz, who famously rallied the city of Boston following the Marathon bombings in 2013 before carrying his team to a World Series. Ortiz may not have been able to accomplish the same in his final season, and seemed to be snubbed as an MVP finalist, but he will be receiving recognition for his off-field impact at this year’s Globies. (NESN)
Jacob Trouba’s decision to stay with Jets puts Bruins back in familiar search mode: Cross one name off the list of Bruins trade targets. Winnipeg defenseman Jacob Trouba was just signed to a new contract, and has reversed course after expressing his desire to be traded. Still 5th in the Atlantic Division, the Bruins have struggled to protect the net space in front of Tuukka Rask while relying on a new group of young d-men, but Trouba seems to be off the market. (WEEI)
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