The Boston Celtics were on the brink of achieving a significant milestone: 40 wins before hitting 20 losses. To get there, they needed back-to-back victories against the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets. However, their journey hit a bump with a 103-84 defeat in Denver, wrapping up their West Coast swing.
Historically, since the 1979-80 season, only a handful of teams have missed this benchmark and still climbed to the NBA's pinnacle. While this might raise some eyebrows among Celtics fans, there are two compelling reasons to stay optimistic.
First, there's the Jayson Tatum factor. If he returns this season, despite not being at his All-NBA First Team best, he could still provide a crucial lift. His presence would likely render the 40-win statistic less significant.
That said, Tatum's return isn't guaranteed. He's been clear about his rehab journey, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his comeback this season.
"I feel like I'm beating a dead horse; I'm just taking it one day at a time," Tatum shared during a media session at Saint Monica Prep. He acknowledged the seriousness of his injury and the long road ahead, opting to focus on daily progress.
Now, are the Celtics still contenders for the title? With 58 games in, the answer is a resounding yes.
Despite the setback against the Nuggets, Boston boasts the second-highest offensive rating, allows the fewest points, and holds the third-best net rating in the league. This balanced performance underscores their legitimacy in the hunt for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
A key element of their strength is having an MVP-caliber player like Jaylen Brown. Averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, Brown's nearly 50 percent shooting from the field makes him a constant threat. His ability to drive to the basket creates quality opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Without Tatum, are the Celtics the favorites in the East? Not quite.
That honor goes to the Detroit Pistons, who lead the league in winning percentage. Some might also argue for the New York Knicks, who recently defeated Boston 111-89, or the Cleveland Cavaliers, bolstered by James Harden, despite his inconsistent playoff history and recent thumb injury.
Even if some rank the Celtics at the bottom of the top-four teams in the East, they remain a formidable contender to represent their conference in the NBA Finals. Once there, anything is possible. Playing on that grand stage offers a chance to defy expectations and potentially secure one of the most unexpected championships in NBA history.