7 in a row.
12 of their last 13.
15 of their last 18 since the All Star break.
19 of their last 23 over the last 2 months.
I’m not sure it gets better than that.
Actually, that’s a lie.
In addition to all that, the Celts have now won 14 of their last 15 on the road!
How rare is that?
When I say this is the best road team on planet Earth, I am not exaggerating.
The next closest is 20.
Over the last 2 years, it’s been the same story.
This team won by 30!
They are the true definition of road dogs
As I always say, perspective is important.
This time last year, the Celts lost back to back games against the Hawks.
You’ll never believe this, but that was treated as if the world was ending.
It meant they were destined to lose early in the playoffs, they were frauds etc etc.
Very embarrassing takes everywhere you looked.
As we learned, that was very much not the case when the playoffs rolled around.
But I’ll remind you, March basketball does not predict playoff success or failure.
Yes, you want to be playing well.
The same way if they were losing these games it wouldn’t mean they were cooked for the playoffs.
Do not do that.
It is not how these things work.
Instead, just appreciate the awesome basketball that we’re watching at this moment in time.
For that to also happen with a +9.1 point differential is even more insane.
When that happens, it means every single player that touches the floor needs to level up.
At the top of the list are the two best remaining players.
They set the tone.
That’s how it always is and always will be.
When the top dogs show up, the rest of the team usually follows.
First on that list is, of course, Jaylen Brown.
I loved pretty much every aspect of his night.
He had just 21 of those games all of last regular season!
You know, just like what Tatum gives them whenever he enters the paint.
Sometimes it’s a bucket, and other times it’s an easy lob.
The point is that you are making the defense make a choice.
That’s something Jaylen was great at in this game.
If you let Jaylen get to where he wants, he scores.
If you decide to send help, his improved passing kills you anyway.
Look at all that space in the paint.
This is why Mazzulla Ball works.
Jaylen went into iso, and the Suns were faced with a choice.
Give up the easy paint dunk/layup or send help.
Jaylen read the play the entire way and perfectly executed the easy lob.
It’s simple, but that’s the point.
Things don’t need to be overly complicated.
Just keep your eyes up, read the defense, and make the simple play.
I’d argue 1-2 years ago, this was a contested FGA from Jaylen.
A forced shot that probably misses.
Now it’s perfect basketball.
- Then of course, there was Kristaps Porzingis.
Remember when there was maybe some concern about how he would look after recovering from the bubonic plague?
How’s this look?
Not exactly a murderer’s row of opponents, but who gives a shit?
I mean, he gave us the full bag in this win.
Nobody has a defensive answer for this version of KP.
That’s why he’s the cheat code!
The thing is, this isn’t even KP overachieving!
This is just his normal production!
You’re seeing the best version of KP and what that player does for the ceiling of this team.
It raises it to a level that I’m not sure any team on earth can touch.
- I don’t even know how to describe what we saw from Al Horford.
You’re not getting 38 year old Al in those games, you’re getting 27 year old Al.
Take away the leadership part, the basketball part is still very much worth it.
That’s the beauty of Mazzulla Ball.
You never get a break from it, no matter who is in or out of the lineup.
The math is the math, unfortunately.
I dunno what else to say.
Shoutout Coach Bud, you nailed it!
Great play from the top players, and the “others” doing their part as well.
Derrick was making the 3s (4-10), Jrue was finishing from 2pt range (4-5).
Try telling me that’s not ideal.
- Look, I’m not going to say it.
We’re ALL thinking it, but I’m trying to stay level headed
Actually, fuck that.
I can’t hold it in.
Refill your Celts Kool Aid and let’s get nuts.
I’ve seen enough to declare Baylor Scheierman a draft hit.
That’s all we have right now, but that is not insignificant.
In fact, I’d argue it’s VERY significant.
Finding cheap, playable end of bench players is CRUCIAL given the Celts cap situation.
There’s a swagger to his game as well that I don’t think can be ignored either.
Not Torrey Craig, not Jordan Walsh.
Did I think we’d be here after seeing Baylor’s early season minutes?
But that’s why patience is keys when it comes to rookies, no matter how old they are.
- A lead as high as 34, a total of 0 ties and 0 lead changes.
This is what you call a wire to wire ass whooping.
On the road, without your best player.
I fucking love this team.
The dude simply does not miss.
When you think of elite shotmaking, I’m not sure how many players you put ahead of KD.
It didn’t really matter who took the assignment; everyone got cooked.
I could make the case that the Celts caught a prayer in that KD only took 16 shots.
- Unfortunately, Payton Pritchard was the only guy who couldn’t really make a jumper in this game.
The Ugly
- 7 in a row, you know the drill!
Give KP a night off, let Derrick and Jrue rest, find a spot for Pritchard etc.
