Don’t look now but the Celtics are actually playing good basketball. The Celtics have won five straight games, currently the longest active NBA streak. The Celtics are currently sitting at the 5 seed but have the exact same record as the 4 seed, Atlanta Hawks.
Over the last five games, all-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been sensational. During the streak, Tatum had a 50-point game and Brown had a 40-point game, shooting the ball 85%, the best in franchise history. Tatum, especially, has responded to criticism. Like mentioned, he had the 50-point game but also, he came up clutch against a good Portland Trailblazer team, hitting the clutch three to put the Celtics up 4 with very little time left.
However, the player that has stood out, to me, is Marcus Smart. He has made big plays defensively and has delivered on some big shots. He was the anchor that started this turnaround for the Celtics, hitting the game clutching shot against the New York Knicks, who are also fighting for a playoff seed.
Roster Improvement
Now, the Celtics are adding depth that they desperately need. As you made of heard, the Celtics have signed former number 2 overall pick, Jabari Parker to a two-year deal. This is a good pick up for the Celtics, as Parker has something to prove. The Celtics bench needed improvement and because the deadline has past, the Celtics looked into the available players.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics got up big against the Los Angeles Lakers, who had no LeBron James nor Anthony Davis, and Coach Brad Stevens emptied the bench. However, the team almost gave up that huge lead and were forced to put the starters back in. So, that is an example why the Celtics needed bench depth, they clearly didn’t have enough.
The Celtics try to extend their active winning streak to 6 games tonight as the team host the Golden State Warriors.
-Zachary Connell (@ZackConnell2)
