Ready Celtics
You know the Celtics will be gunning for a triumph when they host the Warriors tomorrow, and not simply because they want to extend their league-leading 13-game win streak. That they have managed to avoid suffering any setback after their first two outings of the season is impressive in and of itself; with highly touted Gordon Hayward lost for the season and such notables as Kyrie Irving and Al Horford likewise spending time in the sidelines, they have had to rely on a next-man-up mentality, to spectacular results.
For the Celtics’ heady showing, much of the credit goes to head coach Brad Stevens. Under his tutelage, the green and white have staked their competitiveness on a stout defense advanced metrics compares favorably to that during their championship run in 2008. And in the face of their personnel issues, his system has allowed otherwise- nondescript and - inexperienced players to thrive. Their offense is pedestrian at best, but no matter. They have become so adept at preventing opponents from scoring that their seemingly anemic outputs still yield positive outcomes.
Not that the Celtics will manage to keep pace en route to a 70-win campaign. Because the season is long and a regression to the mean is inevitable, they’ll likely wind up closer to their pre- tournament prognosis: at the top of the East, but with considerably less victories. That said, they’ll be hyped to prove themselves against the Warriors tomorrow. At the very least, the set-to will be a gauge on how much they have progressed following their roster upheaval in the offseason.
No matter what happens tomorrow, the Celtics have already shown that they’re built for the future. Unlike, say, the Cavaliers, who beat them in the Conference finals but who keep amassing assets for the here and now with nary a concern for the there and then, they’ve got youth on their side.
Whether or not the Celtics manage to go all the way as presently constructed remains to be seen. Their biggest hurdle remains one LeBron James, and unless and until they actually end his personal run of Finals appearances, they’ll have to keep plodding on. If nothing else, however, they won’t be unprepared. The Warriors are up next, and they’ll be ready.