Surprising third in the East, the Celtics refuse to catch fire

Obviously not the Thunder and its 15-game winning streak. But Celtics they can legitimately claim to be part of the most capable teams at the moment.

Boston did it on Sunday fifth success in a row in Torontoconfirmation of a start to the season that is much less complicated from an accounting standpoint than one might imagine with the absence of Jayson Tatum. The 2024 champion is now in third place in the East, where he knocked off his victim of the night.

In the match for first place in the standings, the Celtics made a strong impression for about 30 minutes, with 77 points scored at halftime and a 23-point lead over the outclassed Raptors. The Canadian franchise rebelled, but the visitors held on and won 113-121. This selection performance – although Toronto is running out of steam after a great start – would be enough to validate Boston’s ambitions. It was a misunderstanding by a group that reached the heights to congratulate themselves on third place a record of 15 wins and 9 losses.

« No, that doesn’t mean anything » thus swept Joe Mazzula. « In this league, there are ups and downs along the way. Finally, we have a clear identity. And the season presents opportunities and challenges, testing how long you can remain the best version of yourself. And when you’re not there, it tests how quickly you can bounce back. We have a big training session ahead of us on Wednesday, and that is the next big test, how we will approach this day. That’s the only thing that matters. »

Another NBA offense

More than the agreed-upon “one game at a time” style of communication, the Celtics know what it takes to reach a very high level in the NBA. Ten wins in the last twelve outings is therefore not a goal in itself. This sequence leads to the realization of the first part of the season in the form of reinforcements.

Boston only reached a 50% winning percentage last November 17 with seven successes for as many failures, the result of several lost encounters in “money time”. They no longer control the matchups, the Celtics are no longer afraid at the end of the matchup. And after the phase of adaptation to this new group, the attack of the men in green is running full steam again: second in average points in 12 games, while they are first in the league in the number of points scored, 3-point shots made and with the lowest turnover average in the NBA.

« Everyone contributes, every player that comes into the game really helps us, and we all have the same goal » I assure Derrick White. « So let’s keep playing the right way, celebrate each other’s successes and be there for each other. We’re going to do a lot of special things. »

Jordan Walsh, symbol of Boston’s good form

Of these 10 wins in 12 games, Jaylen Brown is playing at MVP caliber (30.6 points on 47.6%, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists), and his lieutenants Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard have found a target after a complicated start to the season at the address (respectively 459.2% points on 45.2% points). 3-pointers and 19.6 points on 47.5% including 41% on 3-pointers). And the “role players” have all found their marks, like Neemias Cueto, who has established himself as a solid pivot, or even Jordan Walsh, promoted to starter and sent to coal with success on the best exteriors.

« It was a good month, but I didn’t win anything » he retorts The Athletic. « I haven’t done anything yet. I haven’t achieved anything. People say nice and positive things, it gives you confidence. But at the same time, in my first season, we were champions. So that’s always been my standard since I got to the NBA. This season we played only 20 games. So until I get the ultimate success, maybe win another title, then maybe I’ll get a little bigger. »

With New York just one win behind New York, second in the East, the Celtics will be able to regain a taste for ambition, at least shown. ” We just have to keep going » summary of Jaylen Brown. « We must progress, remain humble. One game at a time, keep growing, getting better and having fun, smiling. It’s more fun when you win, I can guarantee that. »

And a calendar could help them. Between now and the end of 2025, the Celtics’ schedule looks affordable, with a shocker against the Pistons on Dec. 15, a second act with the Raptors or receiving the Heat. But above all, most of the matches against teams below 50% wins (Bucks, Blazers, Pacers twice and Jazz). With the move to 2026, Boston could therefore take on the ambitions… with the return of Jayson Tatum?

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