As the NBA playoffs kick off, the spotlight now turns to the Boston Celtics, who must deliver on their potential. Dominating the league with the best record through the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Celtics re-enter the postseason with high expectations as the top seed. However, their impressive regular season performance becomes irrelevant in the face of playoff pressure.
Despite their formidable record, the Celtics have faced setbacks, experiencing defeat on 18 occasions. However, rather than dwelling on these losses, players have emphasized the lessons learned from them. Many view these defeats as valuable wake-up calls, priming them for the intensity of postseason competition. In Boston, anything short of an NBA title will be deemed a failure, adding to the stakes of this playoff run. Here’s why this postseason journey promises to be distinct for the Celtics.
The Boston Celtics Endured Their Most Challenging Practice Session Since the Start of Training Camp.
During 2022, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, key players for the Celtics, experienced their inaugural NBA Finals appearance but encountered difficulties during the postseason.
In 2023, the Celtics, seeded second, had a prime opportunity to advance to the championship series as they faced the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in a crucial Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on their home court. Despite being heavily favored, the Celtics suffered a humiliating defeat at home, losing 103-84.
They’ve absorbed the lessons. Al Horford, the veteran center, briefed reporters on the team’s rigorous preparation leading up to their upcoming Sunday matchup against an as-yet-unspecified opponent.
“It was an exceptional practice,” Horford remarked. “Intense, possibly surpassing any training camp session we’ve had. The tempo was high, and it proved to be immensely productive.
“I was genuinely pleased with our team’s performance today during practice—the level of focus, attention to detail, and everyone striving to execute correctly, while also holding each other accountable. It was a sight to behold.”
The Celtics are fueled by determination. They understand the magnitude of the moment. Having come agonizingly close before, they realize the fleeting nature of such opportunities and are driven to make the most of the present chance.
The Celtics Have Everything Set Up Perfectly.
While the Celtics displayed proficiency over the past two seasons, their performance has seen a significant upswing in 2024. The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday during the off-season have arguably endowed the Celtics with the most formidable starting lineup in the league. Additionally, the emergence of Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet, complemented by the veteran leadership of Horford, solidifies Boston as one of the deepest teams in the NBA.
Beyond talent, the Celtics boast robust health and an unwavering drive. Their cautious approach with Porzingis, a towering center prone to injuries, resulted in his absence from 25 games this season due to calf and ankle issues, albeit largely precautionary.
Energized and driven, the Celtics embody a combination of rest and hunger—crucial elements that will propel them towards reclaiming a spot in the Finals.
Consistency has been instrumental in Boston’s success trajectory. In 2022, they held a mediocre 25-25 record in their initial 50 games before rallying to secure a Finals berth. Conversely, this season has seen them dominate from the onset. Horford underscored the shift in mentality, noting that while last year they may have relied too heavily on home advantage, this season they approach each game with heightened focus and determination.
For Boston, success in this postseason hinges on a potent blend of talent, hunger, relentless effort, and unwavering determination.