This Boston Celtics season began off as a nightmare. On January 21, they have been 23-24 and seemingly headed for a play-in look (at finest). Expectations have been at an all-time low, and a variety of followers started questioning what the path of the staff must be.
However that nightmare has now become a dream. Not simply any dream, however a fever dream. Simply 66 days later, the Celtics are the #1 seed within the Japanese Convention. Sure, you learn that proper. #1.
After their most recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jayson Tatum spoke about what the journey has been like. And though the early-season struggles have been ugly, he stated that they’re higher due to them.
“It’s been a journey. We’ve needed to discover our id. We’ve misplaced some teammates, received some new guys, and we’ve needed to battle. Nevertheless it’s been enjoyable. Even among the more durable occasions, wanting again, I believe we’ve benefited from it. It made us higher alongside the way in which.”
The Celtics are 30-9 for the reason that begin of the brand new yr and 20-3 for the reason that starting of February. However they aren’t simply profitable video games, they’re choosing groups aside.
When requested about what has made this current run a lot enjoyable, Tatum stated that it’s the way in which the staff is enjoying. They’re continuously linked on the ground, making the precise performs, and competing always.
“I imply, profitable to start with. And simply form of how we’re profitable. All people’s enjoying an element. We’re taking satisfaction in protection and competing on that finish of the ground. After which the ball is poppin’. Whether or not you get double-teamed, go out, swinging it round, guys, Payton hitting threes and issues like that. All people simply feels part of one thing and it appears particular.”
Derrick White added to this sentiment, reflecting on the staff’s success. He joined the Celtics by way of commerce on the deadline and has slot in seamlessly. And whereas White did admit that the run has been nice, he additionally famous that they nonetheless have a variety of work to do.
“It’s enjoyable. Simply going on the market, making the precise basketball play. Getting stops, getting out, working. It’s been a variety of enjoyable. We all know we received a variety of work to do to get to the objective we’ve, however simply received to maintain working and hold constructing every recreation.”
There’s nonetheless a ton of room for motion within the Japanese Convention standings, the Celtics do nonetheless have loads of work to do. Nonetheless, in the event that they win out, they earn the one seed. However some nonetheless query whether or not or not that’s one of the best transfer, noting that it may imply a date with the Brooklyn Nets in Spherical 1.
Based on head coach Ime Udoka, although, that’s not a priority for the Celtics. He acknowledged that some groups like to govern the standings, however stated that Boston’s solely concern is profitable basketball video games.
“I’m not likely anxious about that. However groups manipulate the place they need to play and we’re not involved about that. Ours is profitable, well being, and enjoying one of the best basketball on the proper time.”
The Celtics play once more on Monday evening, taking over the Toronto Raptors on evening two of a back-to-back at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports activities Boston.
