Boston Celtics Hot and Cold Start

Photo+courtesy+of+Bleacher+Report

Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report

Ryan Hogan

The Boston Celtics are the current 4th best team in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12-10. That is the 9th best record in the NBA currently. The Celtics have had an up and down type of season, as they have played good and bad and had to deal with things such as injuries and players dealing with Covid protocols. The Celtics may be playing slightly below expectations so far this year, but hopefully players will be able to stay healthy, and they will start winning games. 

Kemba Walker, four time NBA All-Star, started out the year missing the first 11 games of the season dealing with a knee injury. He has not been playing at the same level as he was before the knee problems. Young star Jayson Tatum has been leading the Celtics this season, averaging 27 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. 

Tatum has become one of the premiere young players in the entire league after his dominating performance in the bubble last season and his great start to this season. Tatum, however, tested positive for Covid and had to stay in quarantine during this season. Tatum reported saying in a post-game interview, “ Meantally- I can’t even lie- it was tough especially your initial reaction once you find out.” During this time, Tatum’s counterpart Jaylen Brown has been balling out this year. 

Jaylen Brown has improved his play every year since being drafted back in 2016 and has been playing the best basketball of his life. Brown is averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this year, which are his career highs in points and assists according to ESPN. Brown is looking to be a first time all star with the great play he has shown this year. 

Coach Brad Stevens was asked about Jaylen Brown’s performance so far this season in a post-game press conference: “he’s on a great rhythm scoring, he’s making great physical drives, obviously open catch and shoot shots, but then also really tough shots.” Coach Stevens remains optimistic that the Celtics will be able to make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals this year after a devastating loss to the Miami Heat in the bubble last year and hopefully be able to make it further this year and make a push for the championship. This year their biggest competition seems to be the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern conference, and over on the west the Los Angeles Clippers and reigning NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers look to be powerhouse competitors again this season.