Celtics Clinch NBA’s First Playoff Spot After Win vs Suns
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The Boston Celtics are the first team in the NBA to clinch a playoff spot this season, with a 15-point win against the Suns on Thursday night moved their record to 52-14. With the Philadelphia 76ers losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 114-105, the Celtics have a 16-game lead over the sixth seed and are officially a lock to make the postseason. Now, the Celtics have their eyes set on earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Sitting 9.5 games ahead of the current No. 2 seed Bucks, Boston should earn the East's top seed barring any major collapse.
The Celtics have been dominant all season, and it's no surprise to see them earn the first playoff spot. After the feat, fans praised Boston for clinching with 16 games remaining for the year, on only March 14th. The Celtics have held a comfortable lead atop the standings for months, tied with the 2015-16 Spurs for the fourth-best net rating in NBA history at 11.3. They’re on pace for the franchise’s first 60-win season since they went 62-20 in 2008-09. They have improved to 30-3 at home and won 15 of their last 17 games.
Photo/AP-Rick Scuteri
Jaylen Brown went on a tear for 37 points on 14-for-23 shooting in Thursday’s win, while Al Horford tied a career-high with six 3-pointers starting in place of the injured Kristaps Porziņģis. The team tied a season-high with 25 3-pointers, two short of the franchise record.
The Celtics have had an outstanding regular season, but Boston is looking for much more than just the top seed. After reaching the NBA Finals but coming up short in 2022, the Celtics are looking to return and win it all this year. Boston has leaned on stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while also getting solid production from Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and others this year. While anything can happen in the playoffs, it's going to take a lot for any team to beat Boston in a seven-game series.
