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Celtics Can’t Rely on Past Success to Carry Underperforming Team Into Contention (Podcast)

The Celtics have lost three games in a row, and after a stretch in which the team looked like it was finally turning things around, head coach Doc Rivers is just about out of ideas.

Rivers admitted after their most recent loss that Boston is playing “awful,” and he even threatened to make some serious changes if things don’t take a turn for the better.

“I gotta either find the right combination, the right guys, or we’re going to get some guys out of here,” Rivers said. “It’s the bottom line.”

Although Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have gone down this path before (and pulled out of it in time to make a run to the NBA Finals back in 2010), things don’t look too promising for this current iteration of the Celtics. While a big move to shake up the team is unlikely, general manager Danny Ainge has proven himself willing to take risks in the past — and he could be forced to if the C’s don’t shape up soon.

NESN.com NBA writer Ben Watanabe stopped by the podcast on Tuesday to discuss Celtics’ latest stretch of losing with NESN Nation’s Dan Duquette. The two also discussed the NBA trade market, whether the Heat are still the team to beat in the East and more.

Listen in the player below, or subscribe on iTunes to download it there.