Written By: Sonal Puri
Edited By: Damien Cheung
Let’s talk about the Boston Celtics! If you were to tell me a few months ago that the Boston Celtics would have a legitimate path to the NBA finals, I would not have believed you. Their level of play in the last few months is unmatched, even by the league-leading Phoenix Suns. The success all begins with one of the top duos in the league right now, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With Tatum averaging 27 PPG and the underrated Jaylen Brown averaging 24 PPG this season, they have been the main topic of conversation since the All-Star break. In the past, it was rare for Tatum and Brown to perform on the same night; now, they have found the ability to complement each other, and it has vaulted the Celtics into contender status. Both players have length, shooting, and the ability to finish at the rim, and now they are doing it at the same time. They have found the answer to being dominant as a team, despite being so young. However, with the postseason comes new challenges, and they will need to navigate these, as well. They will most definitely be a team to beat and face teams with well-prepared defensive adjustments with more organized defence and double teams. The question is will they be able to adjust, and translate their dominance into the postseason?
The Celtics have a lot to accomplish and there is pressure on them to perform. If they don’t live up to the standards that they have set in their past few months, there will most certainly be an empty and disappointing feeling surrounding the Celtics during the offseason. Boston is currently the top seed of the Eastern Conference and projects to possibly play the Brooklyn Nets, the projected 7th or 8th seed. Do the Celtics really want to play Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in the first round of the playoffs? If the Celtics manage to get by the Nets, it is sure to be an exhausting first round with a lot of uncertainty.
Another factor that adds uncertainty to the Celtics' season is Robert Williams’ recent torn meniscus. Outside of the dynamic duo of Tatum and Brown, Williams has been the key to much of the Celtics’ success. He is a game-changing defender and has put himself in the conversation for the Defensive Player of the Year. As far as court spacing, Williams is everything they need on the offensive side of the ball because of his ability to set screens and roll to the basket. With Williams out for the next several weeks, it is yet to be seen if the Celtics can maintain their hot streak.
Even though the Celtics are looking promising, it’s hard to say that the Milwaukee Bucks aren't the team to beat in the East. The Bucks are positioned exactly where they want to be, seemingly not worrying about the top seed in the East, but rounding into form at the right time of the year. They have been flying under the radar as all eyes are on teams like the Celtics and Nets. Jrue Holiday is playing his best offensively since joining Milwaukee, which has been the key to their wins. He has become capable as the third star of the trio with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. In addition, Brook Lopez has recently returned from injury, adding a vital role player. Even though the Celtics look untouchable right now, it would be ignorant to dismiss the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks from championship talks this season.
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