Celtics secure to top seed in the Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics finally secured the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture after easing past the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Celtics accomplished that feat after winning their 11th straight home game to push their record to 60-16 on the season. It marked the 15th 60-win campaign in team history.
“We deserve it. I think it’s possibly going to matter if we follow through with the vision we have for ourselves,” Porzingis said via ESPN.
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The Celtics possess one of the league’s most talented and deep rosters. The team is balanced and holds its identity through its stout defense.
Although the Celtics achieved a tremendous feat, head coach Joe Mazzulla wants to maintain the focus on the ultimate goal.
“It’s very hard to do. We may never be in this position again,” Mazzulla said. “We talked about it as a team. We talked about it before the game, to try to treat this game as the clincher. To kind of put that on ourselves to be able to do that. I think it was important for us to simulate that. … We should enjoy it tonight, and when wake up tomorrow — nobody cares.”
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The Celtics will have homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs due to clinching the league’s best record. That could come into play as a significant factor if the team is pushed through to any lengthy playoff series.
Boston will have the opportunity to retake the league record with an 18th championship, which would mark their first title since 2008.
