3-1 lead – After the Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead, Misryoum breaks down the biggest coaching, pace, and roster questions swirling in Boston.
The Celtics’ shock first-round collapse against the 76ers has left one question hanging over Boston: how does a team that looked built to cruise end up losing control so completely?
With the 3-1 lead gone for the first time in franchise history, attention is turning to decisions made in the moments that mattered most, from lineup choices to how the Celtics paced their offense when the pressure ratcheted up.
At the center of the debate is Joe Mazzulla and whether his Game 7 plans put the Celtics in a position to fail. Misryoum notes the argument is not simply about who played, but whether the rotation reflected the reality of who was prepared to handle a sudden, high-stakes playoff workload.
This matters because postseason basketball often rewards depth and familiarity, and when a team leans too heavily on unexpected options, it can expose gaps even in an otherwise strong season.
One of the most consistent criticisms involves the Celtics’ pace and offensive structure. especially when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are initiating possessions.. Misryoum’s framing of the issue is that the team too often settled into a slower. mismatch-seeking rhythm that did not force the action onto Philadelphia’s terms.. Fans watching the series point to a contrast with how the Celtics looked at their best earlier in the postseason: more urgency. more movement. and a greater sense of attacking before the defense fully set.
Insight-wise, the Celtics’ offense becoming predictable can be costly, particularly against teams that thrive when opponents hesitate and rely on half-court reads.
There is also the question of who should be responsible for starting the offense next season. Misryoum highlights the idea that Tatum and Brown, given their roles and tendencies, may not always be the optimal primary facilitators if Boston wants to consistently set a faster tempo.
Meanwhile, Tatum’s performance and health loomed large in the conversation as the playoffs progressed.. Misryoum points out that the reality of returning from an Achilles injury shaped everything. including his workload and how the Celtics handled his minutes once concerns surfaced again late in the series.
Finally. Misryoum says the offseason questions don’t stop at coaching and pace; they also reach the trade logic that helped shape the roster.. The central argument is that the Celtics may have gained something on paper while losing something critical on the court. particularly in the balance of skills and matchups they needed during the series.
This matters because when a championship-caliber team comes up short, the fix is rarely one simple adjustment; it is usually a set of choices that add up, including rotation patterns, offensive identity, and how personnel fits the style that postseason basketball demands.
MISRYOUM