The Boston Celtics have clinched the Eastern Conference’s top seed with 11 games remaining on their regular season schedule. Boston’s 57-14 record has been enough to secure the feat, with an 11-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks, who are still vying for the second slot alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Joe Mazzulla’s club is also on track to have the best record in the NBA. As a result, if they make it to the NBA Finals, they should enjoy a home-court advantage over the Denver Nuggets (or whatever club advances from the West).
This season has been especially memorable for Celtics supporters. Brad Stevens’ additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason helped Boston get started right away. Opponents have struggled to understand the Celtics’ offensive space and how to break down their flexible defence.
Boston presently owns the NBA’s top offensive rating, averaging 122.5 points per 100 possessions. They are second in defensive rating, allowing 110.5 points per 100 possessions. As a result, they boast the league’s best net rating, +12.
Given their impressive regular season performance, it makes sense that the fan base is anticipating a possible championship run. Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have developed tremendously as individuals and are emerging as two of the NBA’s top forwards.
For fans of the Celtics, this season will always be particularly memorable. The summer additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis by Brad Stevens enabled Boston to jump off to an early lead. The Celtics’ adaptable defence and offensive spacing have been difficult for opponents to exploit.
Boston currently has the highest offensive rating in the NBA, scoring 122.5 points per 100 possessions on average. Their defensive rating is second, giving up 110.5 points for every 100 possessions. They therefore have the best net rating (+12) in the league.
