The Boston Celtics have suffered through a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, and they're on the verge of having to participate in the play-in tournament. Evan Fournier hasn't been around for long and has barely played since his trade from the Orlando Magic because of COVID-19, but he seems to already recognize a problem with the club.

Fournier effectively called the Celtics soft on Monday after a rough loss to the Miami Heat:

Boston got embarrassed in the first half against Miami on Sunday, giving up a whopping 79 points in the process. The Celtics made a furious run in the second half, but it was too late as they suffered a 130-124 loss.

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This dud of a performance came after Boston got shellacked by a desperate Chicago Bulls team on national television Friday night. The Celtics fell behind big in that game and lost by 22 points. There have been a number of other big deficits and ugly losses this season.

Now, while COVID-19 and injuries have played a role in this roller-coaster ride of a season, it's still no excuse for some of the huge deficits. Too often the Celtics come out flat, only to turn up the intensity and get back in the game. Boston needs to bring that energy and physicality right from the jump in order to avoid big holes.

The Celtics are now just 35-33 on the season, putting them in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. They're two games behind the Heat, with another game against them on Tuesday night.

We'll see if Boston comes out with the necessary energy and focus to start that one.