The Boston Celtics understand that their regular season achievements don’t matter much in the grand scheme of things.
Sure, winning 60 games is impressive. Having big wins against several teams and making NBA history with three 50-point victories in one season is noteworthy. Plus, securing the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference early on is commendable.
But at the end of the day, what counts for the Celtics is winning championships. Despite all the success this season, it won’t mean much if they don’t add another championship banner to TD Garden.
The focus for the Celtics is on addressing the unfinished business from last season’s conference finals, where they fell short against the Miami Heat. Despite having an impressive home record this season, they recognize the need to approach the playoffs differently and not take anything for granted.
All-Star Jayson Tatum emphasizes the importance of not getting complacent, especially when playing at home, and striving for better outcomes in the postseason.
In the offseason, Boston saw some key players leave, like Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Robert Williams. But they also gained Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Jaylen Brown, a star player for the Celtics, noted that the team has been more organized and consistent this year. The new players have made immediate contributions, turning past weaknesses into strengths.
Even with rumors swirling about Brad Stevens possibly returning to college coaching, he’s focused on helping the Celtics succeed. He wants their close calls to lead to championship victories.
A big reason for Boston’s success is Coach Joe Mazzulla, who’s in his second season with a handpicked coaching staff. They’ve built an offense that suits the team’s strengths, incorporating new players seamlessly.
As a result, the Celtics ended the season with the best offensive rating in the NBA and the second-best defensive rating. But what catches attention is their 3-point shooting.
During the regular season, the Celtics were at the top, making a 3-pointer in nearly half of their possessions. That’s around 42.5 attempts from downtown per game, with an impressive average of 16.5 made 3s per game.
When they’re hitting those shots, they become a formidable offensive force. In their 64 wins, they shot over 40% from beyond the arc, but in their 18 losses, that percentage dropped to about 32.4%. Even in two losses to the Denver Nuggets, they struggled to shoot well from long range.
As the playoffs approach, it’s uncertain which version of the Celtics will show up. However, their performance this season has earned them respect across the league.
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, hailing from Massachusetts like Coach Mazzulla, understands the intense pressure of New England sports. He remembers listening to Red Sox fans passionately discussing the team’s performance on local radio.
Despite the high expectations, Coach Mazzulla remains composed and focused, making the best decisions for his team. Jaylen Brown emphasized that the team is looking ahead, not dwelling on the past.
