The Boston Celtics, coming off a rather easy NBA championship victory, start off the 2024 regular season red hot winning 10 of their first 13 games. They are currently placed 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Their three losses were to Golden State by six, Toronto, and Atlanta both only by one.
Allstar and Olympic Gold medalist Jayson Tatum has contributed to the team’s success, averaging 30 points per game -which is tied 2nd best in the association. He is doing it all on the court for Boston in his 8th year under the organization. A staple in Celtics’ offense has been their success beyond the three point line. As a team they are making 18.5 shots beyond the arc; this leads the entire league by almost 3.
The line up currently lacks their star center Kristaps Porzingis, who is scheduled to return from his foot injury in December. Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Neemias Queta all have filled in playing time for the Latvian superstar.
HHS Freshman Beckett Williams remarks,”I vote Neemias Queta for MVP.” Neemias Queta is playing remarkably in replace of Porzingis, but it will be interesting to see if he will get minutes when Porzingus returns. Other key contributors are veterans like Holiday, White, and Jaylen Brown, despite the California guard missing a few games due to injuries.
Off the bench, Payton Pritchard has put on a show throughout 13 games. He can’t be stopped despite his small size, and the Oregon alum is averaging 7 more points than he did last year. He leads the entire league in Offensive Rating barely outplaying Tyreese Haliburton and other players including his own teammate Derrick White.
Fans have been packing TD Garden whenever the Celtics have a home game. They are an incredibly exciting team to watch with their fast paced offensive and their star power. Freshman Zac Abusheleih saidthe Celtics are “…are a great mix of players, and overall the team is fun and exciting to watch.”
Can the Celtics continue their hot streak to the season under Joe Mazula? It will be interesting to see how the team rebounds from further injuries and cold streaks.
