If you haven’t done so, read Gary Washburn’s brutal take on the Celts loss last night to the ‘76ers – and how a certain stubborn coach just couldn’t make the necessary adjustments. The result: We’re on the verge of a second epic Celts playoff collapse/choke, following last year’s disaster against the Knicks. … A reader sends in a “painful diagnosis” from Hardwood Houdini and adds: “The Celtics have done the impossible in two straight playoffs: they’ve made me admire the Knicks and the 76ers.” 

Question: Can a finalist/actual Coach of the Year be fired soon after? Answer: it’s happened before. … I doubt Brad would ever pull the trigger, but you have to wonder what he’s thinking.

Update — The same reader adds: “I have wondered whether Joe gets ‘Cora-d.’   Surely depends on the relationship with Stephens and the new owner and who knows what might be bubbling under… ”