The Boston Celtics are red hot, and led by MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas, have cemented themselves as one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. They have won 14 of their last 18 games overall, but nothing says more about how good this team is than their big home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers this week. Let's get you up to speed with the week that was and the week ahead with our Celtics Weekly update:
Standings:
Boston is holding firm in the No. 2 spot in the East, but are gaining on Cleveland. They are now just 2.5 games games behind the Cavs, and they aren't really in danger of falling down the rankings anytime soon. The Celtics have a three-game lead over the Washington Wizards, who are currently the No. 3 seed in the East.
This Week:
After picking up a 104-98 win over the Detroit Pistons last Sunday, the Celtics returned home for the second game of a back-to-back against the Atlanta Hawks. They looked tired and were outplayed, losing 114-98 after falling apart in the third quarter. That loss snapped a seven-game home winning streak for Boston, and Isaiah Thomas' 19-point performance snapped his franchise record of 43 consecutive 20-point games.
However, it didn't take long for the Celtics to get back on track, picking up that huge 103-99 win over the Cavs on Wednesday. LeBron James put up a triple-double in the loss, but Isaiah Thomas dropped 31 points to lead Boston to the win.
The Celtics closed the week on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, which was the start of a five-game road trip. Boston built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 115-95 win, giving the Celtics their 40th win of the season.
What's Next?
Boston continues their five-game road trip this week, starting on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. They then have a quick turnaround and will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday in the second game of a back-to-back before facing the Golden State Warriors in a nationally televised game on Wednesday. The Celtics will try to win their second-straight game over the Warriors in Oakland in that one. Finally, Boston wraps up this five-game road trip on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.
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Injuries:
Big man Tyler Zeller is currently listed as day-to-day with an illness that caused him to miss Friday's game against the Lakers.
What They're Saying:
Would the Celtics trade Jaylen Brown for Brandon Ingram right now? (Fansided)
Suns gift to Celtics, fans: Isaiah Thomas (Boston Herald)
Marcus Smart taking charge, making hustle plays for Celtics (ESPN)
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