The Celtics got off to a slow start this season, starting out 0-4. It looked like the team wasn’t in any rhythm on either end of the floor, and the Celtics looked like they were desperately missing their leader in Rajon Rondo. Then, almost out of nowhere, Boston found their rhythm, and have now won four in a row.
The Celtics look like a completely different team in these last four wins. In their first four games, they were horrendous offensively. They averaged just 87.5 points per game in that stretch, and gave up a 25-point lead against the Bucks in their second game.
Boston was finally able to get a win when they faced the Utah Jazz. After defeating the Magic soon after, Boston was 2-4 going into their matchup with the defending NBA champions, the Miami Heat. They weren’t expected to give Miami much trouble, but not only did they go there and compete, they stunned Miami at the buzzer courtesy of Jeff Green.
More impressive, however, was their second win over Orlando. They put up 120 points and shot 60% from the field. Now, after looking like last-place material in the Atlantic division, the Celtics are tied with Philadelphia for the top spot.
There’s no doubt that it’s very early in the season, and no one can realistically expect the Nets and Knicks to remain at the bottom of the division. Still, the Celtics have found their rhythm early on, and need to try and keep this momentum going as long as they can.
Jordan Crawford has played well as of late. Over the last two games, he’s put together 31 points, 14 assists, and is shooting 59% from the field. He’s taken the point guard load off of Avery Bradley, who’s also played well during Boston’s winning streak.
The rest of the team has played well lately too. Gerald Wallace, Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, and Brandon Bass have all been big contributors. The biggest factor for Boston has been their chemistry - since Wallace called the team out a week ago for their poor effort, Boston has responded nicely.
So how long can they keep this up? Other than Miami, Boston hasn’t played a very formidable opponent yet. They’ve been impressive enough to win four straight, but they’ll certainly be tested more legitimately over the next few weeks. They’ll face teams like the Rockets, Pacers, and Spurs within their next six games, and if Boston wants to stay in the playoff race, they’ll have to stay as consistent as possible until Rajon Rondo makes his return.
Boston will only improve with Rondo back, so if they can stay on an even keel until he makes his return, the Celtics could be much better than expected this year.
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