The Boston Celtics are defying the typical post-All-Star break lull, riding an impressive eight-game winning streak into the intense third trimester of the season.
With dominant victories in Chicago and New York, the Celtics now lead the Eastern Conference standings with a comfortable eight-game lead over the second-place Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coach Joe Mazzulla attributes the team’s success to a culture of persistence and relentless effort. “It’s about the environment that we’ve created,” Mazzulla emphasized. The players, too, acknowledge the collective responsibility to maintain a high level of performance.
Derrick White sees this winning stretch as a gradual buildup towards the postseason, emphasizing the team’s goal to keep improving over the remaining 25 games.
During the eight-game winning streak, the Celtics have showcased an impressive net rating of 18.7, outscoring opponents by nearly 20 points per 100 possessions. White highlighted the team’s focus on execution and unity, especially in late-game situations.
As they face a challenging March schedule against six consecutive opponents with winning records, including matchups against Philadelphia, Dallas, and Golden State, the Celtics remain confident.
Coach Mazzulla acknowledges the difficulty ahead but emphasizes using the tools they’ve developed to navigate tough situations.
The Celtics are well aware that peaking at the right time is crucial, and they approach each game as an opportunity to grow and compete at their best. As they embark on this challenging stretch, the Celtics aim to further solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
