The NBA season isn’t even two months old, but the Boston Celtics have already shown tremendous growth during that time.
Younger and less talented than in years past, the new-look Celtics got off to a bumpy start this season, losing their first three games and five of their first eight. They collapsed in close games and lacked consistency, looking like a team that might struggle to make the playoffs.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for Boston to find its way. The Celtics settled into their new roles, started playing up to their potential and quickly took off.
Boston’s been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last few weeks, going 9-2 over its last 11 games. They’ve hit their stride, dominating on both ends of the floor as several younger players have stepped up.
After Friday’s 126-105 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden, Jaylen Brown spoke about the Celtics’ remarkable growth during his postgame interview.
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“We can play with the best of them. They counted us out before the year, but we’re just taking it one game at a time,” Brown said. “I’m seeing my teammates grow in front of my eyes. It’s just a great feeling as a leader to see all of our guys starting to flourish.”
From Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta to Hugo Gonzalez and Josh Minott, everyone’s thriving in their new roles, doing whatever they can to help the team win in Jayson Tatum’s absence.
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Their growth has happened even quicker than expected, lifting Boston out of its early hole in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics are playing like a championship-caliber team again, winning five of their last six games against opponents with a winning record.
If Boston’s young players keep improving, the sky’s the limit for Joe Mazzulla’s squad.
Featured image via Matthew Hinton/Imagn Images
