Worse, there were several long and ugly stretches where Boston failed to capitalize on forcing twice as many turnovers as the Celtics committed.

To their credit, they were down two of their best players in Jaylen Brown – out with a strained hamstring – and Gordon Hayward, who contused his knee in the team’s loss to Brooklyn earlier in the week.

For Boston to maximize its postseason odds, they’ll need to play the connected, ubuntu-esque brand of ball they were for much of the season that has strangely evaporated over the recent home stretch. “

Related Jazz leave Boston on a sour note, win 99-94 at the Garden Marcus Smart turns 26 today, and the Celtics are lucky to have him Preview: Celtics host a Jazz franchise looking for revenge Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward OUT vs. Utah Jazz Friday