The Boston Celtics have lost five of their last seven games, including the last four, and it's starting to raise concerns on whether or not they can be competitive in the playoffs.

The Celtics have been struggling on the defensive end, and it's pretty evident during their last two games. Against the Charlotte Hornets last night, they held a 112-99 lead with less than four minutes left, but they ended up losing that game 124-117. Then the San Antonio Spurs pummeled them 115-96 on their home floor on Sunday, behind 48 points from LaMarcus Aldridge.

After their loss to the Spurs, Boston head coach Brad Stevens admitted that there is frustration among his players and that he had to talk and listen to them before attending his postgame presser. However, he still came out pretty confident about his team's chances.

Stevens knows they now have plenty of doubters, and he challenged his players to respond to what he says is a “tough run”.

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“I think we’re to the point now where, rightfully so, we’ll be doubted. Rightfully so, we’ve earned that. So it’s time to buckle up and respond to this tough run,” Brad Stevens said, per Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.

There is no denying the fact that the Celtics are one of the best teams in the league on paper. However, they seem to be playing different this season. Last year, they've reached the Eastern Conference Finals without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, but they have struggled since they returned.

Add the fact that they have been hit by injuries all season. They had enough gas to remain competitive and clinch a playoff spot, but how good they will be in the postseason remains to be seen.

The Celtics have eight games left in their regular season schedule, so if they want to respond to their doubters, now is definitely the best time to start.