The Celtics started a tough week with their second important win in a row on Thursday, claiming a sweep in their mini two-game series against the Cavaliers with a 116-107 victory.
Here are the takeaways.
1. The Celtics started last year hot too, but this has been an impressive stretch. After losing in the in-season tournament, they’ve won three in a row. Their best players both have top-shelf talent. The role players are overqualified. The bench has rounded into shape nicely. They have the NBA’s second-best net rating and a 1.5-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings at 18-5.