NBA Midseason Grades: Boston Celtics

Jan 15

The Boston Celtics have had a season filled with a lot of ups and few downs. At the midway point of the season, the Celtics are second in offensive rating, sixth in defensive rating, and first in net rating by 1.3 points over Memphis.

So with all those impressive stats, it is no shock that 44 games in, the Celtics are 32-12 and have the best record in the NBA. But what has been the key to their success thus far?

Well, it’s not a simple answer. One of the key reasons is that they are getting an MVP type of season from their star Jayson Tatum. He and Jaylen Brown have blossomed into arguably the best one-two tandem in the league.

Another key reason is the acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon, who has provided them with a scoring punch off the bench. Other factors have been above-career-average shooting seasons from Derrick White and Al Horford and the emergence of Luke Kornet as a solid rotational big.

The Celtics were a team who came into the season with high expectations from the fanbase and with some concern. The head coaching change from Ime Udoka to Joe Mazzulla just one week before training camp and the injury to Rob Williams are the chief reasons.

The Celtics have proved there was no reason for concern, and so far, they get an A.