Celtics still figuring things out entering stretch
BOSTON—One way or another, the spotlight was always going to shine on the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference without LeBron James.
After back-to-back losses to James’ Cavaliers in the past two conference finals, his departure West to join the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to clear the path for Boston to take the reins in the East. That hasn’t happened—yet. Instead of solidifying themselves as the NBA champion Golden State Warriors’ chief challenger, the Celtics come out of the All-Star break still with much
to figure out—and trailing Milwaukee and Toronto in the East standings.
“We realize that we’ve played well in the last month and a half,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “Although there have been multiple days when I’m sure it hasn’t felt like it.”
Beginning with a win over Toronto on Jan. 16, Boston won 12 of its final 15 games before the break. It also included wins over five other teams currently in position to make the playoffs. But Boston also blew an 18-point lead in a last-second loss to the Lakers and a 28-point lead two days later in a loss to the Clippers.
The Celtics recovered to post close wins at Philadelphia and at home against Detroit in their final game before the break. And they did it without Kyrie Irving, who missed both games with a strained right knee.
Irving was able to play 25 minutes in the All-Star game and is expected to be back in the starting lineup Thursday when Boston plays at Milwaukee. That matchup is the start of a three-game road trip that includes a visit to Toronto.