Boston Celtics Own One of NBA’s Most Notable Streaks
The NBA Eastern Conference is not known for the depth the Western Conference enjoys. However, this season, there are more teams that will put up better records and will give the top three teams – Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto – a run for their money as the season move forward.
The Boston Celtics are one of those teams. Currently the Celtics are in second place in the Atlantic division with a record of 14-10, just one game behind the first place Raptors. In conference standings, the Celtics are tied for fifth, just two games behind the first place Cavaliers.
On Saturday night, Boston beat the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte had won four consecutive games by an average of 17 points a game and was coming of a rout over the Memphis Grizzlies by 24 points.
Boston was coming off a double overtime loss to Golden State and did not appear to even have their minds on the game in Charlotte during the first half.
However, the young team showed the maturity and toughness of veterans, built a lead during the third quarter and then held off a surging Charlotte team down the stretch to win 98-93.
Boston’s success thus far on the second night of back-to-back games on the road is absolutely hard to believe.
Typically, a very challenging game for every NBA team, Boston is an absurd 10-0 on the second night of a back to back set of games that end on the road, since last season’s All Star break.
This season, Boston is 3-0 in that situation having defeated Charlotte Saturday, and Miami and Houston prior to that. Not bad as those three teams are a combined .559 on the season.
One of the big reasons in this case is their age. The Celtics have a very young team and that makes them more resilient on the second night of a back to back set of games, as they are able to recover physically much quicker.
Add to that the fact Boston only committed five turnovers all night against Charlotte, adds to why they are so successful in back to back sets.
Isaiah Thomas was a great court general on Saturday as he handed out 13 assists, a career high, and scored 21 points.
On a night, many would have thought Boston would lose, and even some may have expected a loss, the Celtics found a way to steal a win on the road and now own one of the most notable streaks left in the NBA, as Golden State’s 24-game run came to an end at the hands of Milwaukee.
