THE Boston Celtics have clinched first place in the Eastern Conference with 11 games remaining on their regular season schedule. Boston’s 57-14 record was enough to secure the feat with an 11-game lead over the Milwaukee Buckswho are still fighting to clinch the second seed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Joe Mazzulla’s team is also in the driver’s seat to have the best record in the NBA. As such, they should have a home-field advantage if they manage to qualify for the match. NBA Finalswhich would provide a significant advantage against the Denver Nuggets (or any other team that comes out of the West).
This season has been a memorable one for Celtics fans. After Brad Stevens added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason, Boston took over. Opposing teams struggled to understand the Celtics’ offensive spacing and break down their versatile defense.
Boston currently has the best offensive rating in the NBA, averaging 122.5 points per 100 possessions. They are second in defensive rating, limiting teams to 110.5 points per 100 possessions. As such, they have the best net rating in the league, +12.
After such a strong regular season, it’s understandable that the fan base is excited about a potential championship run. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have shown tremendous individual growth and are realizing their potential as two of the best forwards in the NBA.
Still, it’s worth remembering that the playoffs are essentially a new season within the season. Everything the Celtics have accomplished thus far will go down in the history books. Their home field advantage will be the only trophy they have to show.
If Mazzulla’s team truly wants this season to be historic, they need to bring a banner back to TD Garden. The wait was too long. This team is talented enough to be the one to overcome the obstacle.
