We all know the Boston Celtics have been one of the best teams in the league the past few seasons but have struggled to get over the hump when it matters most. This year is no different but this Celtics team might be. The Celtics biggest opponent this year is the Celtics. Some people attribute them not being able to get over the hump to coaching, others attribute it to the young core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown not being able to win yet but this year feels different. Whether you were a Marcus Smart lover or a Marcus Smart hater, there’s no denying that the additions of Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday have been major additions for the Celtics. These additions have them looking like the most complete Celtics team in years. To me the Celtics team is far away the best team in the league and their biggest opponents down the stretch won’t be any other team in the league but it’ll be their own health and late game management.
Celtics this year vs last year:
The difference between the Celtics this year and last year that has me so confident in them making the finals is in large part due to Porzingis and Holiday. But the real reason why is the growth of Tatum and Brown while Derrick White continues to ascend. Boston looks like a different team this year whether it’s late game comebacks or Brown locking in defensively there are many reasons to feel confident in this years team compared to years past. Porzingis gives the Celtics something they haven’t had in years past in a true third option that other teams have to game plan for on a nightly basis. While Holiday is quarterbacking the teams defense and has started to look more and more comfortable as the season goes on.
