.png){kind=small}
CelticsBlog
The underachieving Celtics may have turned the corner. This adds quite a bit of intrigue to an already exciting Eastern Conference.
Winners of five straight, Boston’s offense in particular has been immense. The team is averaging a league-best 126.2 points in that time. Paired with Brad Stevens’ excellent defensive scheme, and suddenly the C’s are looking downright scary.
Winning cures everything
The Celtics have put together a nice little winning streak after a somewhat tumultuous start to the season. The 56-point shellacking against the Bulls this weekend - the largest margin of victory in franchise history - was the exclamation point for an already fantastic string of games for Boston.
The Celtics haven’t just been winning games, but have instead been obliterating opponents. The C’s have had an average margin of victory of 28.6 points during their last five games.
Boston has a nice win streak to add to its resume, and one that isn’t done growing. Likewise, the Celtics have taken down Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, and Toronto this season, meaning the club has a few signature wins on the CV as well.
As Terry Rozier explained Saturday postgame, such commanding outings are helping the team start to build confidence.
Meeting expectations
We knew eventually Boston would move on from its early season struggles. A team with so much talent could only flounder for so long. Importantly, the team is getting contributions up and down its roster.
Gordon Hayward has been fantastic off the bench. He’s been able to decimate second-units. Jaylen Brown has also looked good in his return from injury. This gives Boston much more balance.
With Marcus Smart and Marcus Morris inserted into the starting line up, simplifying the offense and also adding a bit of toughness. At the same time, Hayward, Brown, and a surging Terry Rozier compose perhaps the strongest bench unit in basketball.
Now, we’re seeing things start to click for Brad Stevens and co. In the past five games, the team has averaged 30.6 assists per contest. Said Daniel Theis Saturday night, "When we move the ball like this, no one can guard us."
Boston’s stagnant, awkward offense has given way to something much smoother and more reliable. The team is finally hitting shots, but also sharing the ball and making the right plays.
There’s still another gear for the Celtics to hit. Jayson Tatum and Al Horford have not quite played as well as they did a year ago. Should they return to form, things could get mighty interesting at the top of the East.