Halftime Scorching Takes: Actual hoops (NBA Cup) is again

We’re midway via the Boston Celtics’ NBA Cup opener in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks. To be trustworthy, I’ve seen prettier halves of hoops, however the Cs are forward on this one, nonetheless.

Now, prepare for some Halftime Scorching Takes, buddy.

I’ll say it, I just like the NBA Cup

Lots of people are out on Adam Silver’s latest creation, however I’m a fan. Simply because it’s new and totally different doesn’t imply that individuals need to hate it — and that’s coming from me, a man who constantly hates on something the NBA tries to alter (Adam Silver pays for altering the house/away jersey requirements).

It’s a enjoyable solution to get some early-season competitors within the NBA by implementing some stakes into these November video games. The truth that you mainly can not lose these group-stage matchups if you would like an opportunity to win the match rocks. Even the quantity that you simply win these video games by issues.

Like, how is that not enjoyable?

I get it for those who perhaps don’t need the NBA Cup to be held in the identical regard as an NBA Championship (which it shouldn’t be), however to straight up hate the entire thing is a bit loopy.

I even form of just like the courtroom this yr. Does it have one thing to do with final yr’s design being so horrible that it couldn’t presumably worsen?

Completely it does.

It’s additionally REALLY inexperienced.

The Celtics may not be prepared for the strain that comes together with the NBA Cup.

With Tuesday’s sport carrying a bit extra weight than standard with it being the Cup and all, it’s simple to grasp why the Cs got here out a bit tense.

Forward of the primary TV timeout, Boston discovered themselves down three to the visiting Hawks. They sank simply three of their first 9 makes an attempt from the ground and turned the ball over twice.

All jokes apart, this has develop into considerably of a pattern as of late. The Celtics stumbled out of the gates in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks of their final two outings. It is likely to be time to get it collectively, don’t we predict?

The half as an entire was fairly sloppy between each side. It’s fairly clear that the fellas are nervous to be on the market with The Cup at stake.

Jaylen Brown is likely to be again

Within the first quarter of this sport, Jaylen Brown scored extra factors (16) than he did in his return to motion in Sunday’s win over the Bucks. He was aggressive proper from the opening tip, showcasing his scoring capability on all ranges.

Check out this super-cool dunk.

Regardless of nonetheless struggling to sink the three-ball, he remained on the assault and actually helped Boston get better from their sluggish begin. JB completed the half with 20 factors on 7-12 from the sphere. It’s nice to see him wanting like himself once more, after lacking a number of video games with a hip pressure.