If anyone in the Eastern Conference thought the Boston Celtics would fade into the background without Jayson Tatum, they might want to revisit that assumption. Because over the past few weeks, Boston hasn’t just stayed afloat - they’ve made it clear they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
Tuesday night’s 123-117 win over the New York Knicks at TD Garden was the latest chapter in what’s becoming a quietly impressive stretch for the Celtics. They shook off an early deficit, weathered a late Knicks push, and walked away with their seventh win in nine games. That puts them at 12-9 on the season - and more importantly, it shows they’re finding ways to win without their superstar.
What stands out isn’t just the wins, but who they’re beating. Over the last 10 days, Boston has taken down the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and now the Knicks - all teams with different strengths and styles, and all part of a competitive Eastern Conference landscape.
The only blemish in that run? A tight road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of the West’s top squads.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting: of the top six teams in the East heading into Tuesday night, Boston has already faced four - seeds No. 1, 2, 5, and 6. And they’ve beaten every one of them.
Their record against those top-tier opponents is now 6-3, including a red-hot 6-1 mark in their last seven games. That’s not just surviving - that’s contending.
What’s powering this run? Grit, depth, and a team that’s playing with a chip on its shoulder.
Without Tatum, the Celtics have embraced a next-man-up mentality. They may not have the flashiest lineup in the league right now, but they’re defending, moving the ball, and making timely plays.
It’s the kind of basketball that wins games in December - and builds habits that matter come April.
Next up, Boston heads to Washington for what should be a manageable road matchup against the struggling Wizards on Thursday. But the real eye-catcher is Friday’s clash with the Los Angeles Lakers at home. The Lakers are 15-5 and sitting near the top of the Western Conference, making that game a serious measuring stick for where this Celtics team stands.
Bottom line: Boston isn’t waiting around for Tatum to come back and save the season. They’re competing - and winning - right now.
And if this recent stretch is any indication, the Celtics aren’t just surviving the early season. They’re making a statement.