BSJ Daily Briefing 11.21.19: Celtics played great, but don't go nuts with takeaways; Patriots beat up WRs

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder what AB will post today...

• So the Celtics lost a great game in overtime last night to the Clippers, a game they easily could have won with a little better play and, maybe, some better calls from the refs (ugh).


• We all know the Celtics are shorthanded without Gordon Hayward and he will be back.


• So the natural takeaway is that this shows the Celtics can play with anyone and maybe this will be an NBA Finals preview.


• My response: really, before Thanksgiving?


• Not to play devil's advocate, but this is the same talk I've heard in past years with wins over the Cavs a few years ago, and the Warriors ... and those didn't pan out.


• For one thing, there is a long way to go. It's like saying the Jaguars showed last year they could compete in the AFC because they beat the Patriots in Week 2. They finished 5-11. Now, the Celtics aren't the Jags, but the point remains.


• The other thing ... so it's OK to say the Celtics aren't at full strength because they didn't have Hayward, but no one's going to talk about the fact that the Clippers were playing their first game ever with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard on the floor together, George was playing his fourth game total, and Leonard hadn't played in a week? The Clippers weren't nearly at full strength either. They'll be much better the next time around. Nevermind that the NBA regular season doesn't really reflect what will happen in the postseason.


• So, basically, slow your roll. It's very early and there are circumstances affecting both teams.


• Patriots were back at it, and Tom Brady was back at the podium. Let the shrieking begin ... I don't really care. Tom can be pissy, Tom can be happy ... he's earned the right.


• The week started out with Mohamed Sanu (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett (concussion) out of action. Sanu could miss a couple weeks. That's not going to help the offense.


• But Isaiah Wynn is back at left tackle and, according to Tony Romo, that will fix everything with the offense. Yeah, it won't.


• Bruins are back at it tonight, hosting the Sabres.

________________________

Happy for Salty that he gets to go home. The Yankees will pay Ellsbury $142 million? http://t.co/W0TEqzFYdh

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) December 4, 2013