This isn’t the regular season, this isn’t Rome and this isn’t a mid-afternoon shootaround. This is the National Basketball Association playoffs, a time for dedication, relentless vigor and overall outstanding play.

As I sit here in my dimly lit office on a dark and damp Friday night, I can’t help but think that the Boston Celtics must grow up. They have to do it quick and at the same time learn that the playoffs are a different beast. This isn’t some run of the mill mid-term exam; this is the SATs of basketball, a time of the year where everything but your heart and inner self is put aside. What I see before me now is gutwrenching and totally contrary to what was on that floor during 82 regular season games. There is no sense of urgency at all!