Here's why losing out on the 3rd seed could be beneficial for this team in the long run:

Landing the 3-seed would have gotten people's hopes up about making the ECF. If we had lost to Toronto in the 2nd round, that potentially could have created some questions about why the team didn't go further.

But falling to the 4/5 really lowers expectations. There's no shame in losing to the Cavs in the 2nd round, that's just the way the matchups fell. This team will be able to move forward into the offseason while retaining the momentum.

are we going to beat the hawks?

well, we got really screwed by these tiebreakers

pretty much ended with the worst seed possible. no homecourt at any point in the playoffs and will face the Cavs asap

painful loss last night...

so how bad is avery bradley hurt? was it a hamstring?

wish Isiah took the 3 with a minute or so to go instead of that other bum

well this season is over

The celtics players know they can't win without bradley and the hawks are energized by it

might be good in the longrun, it kinda gets this team off the hook in terms of expectations.

stevens has done his part, now it's up to ainge to go out and make the roster more talented in the offseason

I bet they win at least 1 in boston but too little too late probably

leggo Celtgods

win tonight and we can wrap dis shit up in Boston! probably goes to game 7 tho...

Leggo celtgoats! You can do it

There goes the season

Even if they pull a miraculous comeback they won't win game 7

Please sign some scorers.