has become a mental game for the Celtics. That's what happens when a team tries to determine why it cannot close out contests. That's what happens when 48 minutes of basketball are marked by inconsistencies on defense. That's what happens when players are unable to sustain focus. That's what happens when the talent is there, but the desired result is not.

Physically spent after last night's 98-95 overtime loss to the Timberwolves in the second of back-to-back contests, the Celtics addressed the missing mental aspects of their recent play. They have lost three games in a row and find themselves skidding toward the All-Star break. They have struggled with second-half execution and shot selection, leaving no late lead safe. They are faltering and they know it, treading dangerously close to tying their longest