The Boston Celtics are presently the best team in the NBA, and their performance against the Orlando Magic on Sunday demonstrated why. The Celtics won by a score of 17 points, led by Jaylen Brown. Following the game, Brown said a few comments that could be seen as a warning to the rest of the league:
“I don’t think we’re in our final form of being our best,” Brown remarked, according to SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell.
If that’s the case, other clubs may have reason to be concerned. Boston is presently 20-5, with an undefeated home record. Brown ended with 31 points, six assists, and five rebounds against the Magic, highlighted by a blazing 17-point fourth quarter. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum had 23 points and eight rebounds. All five Boston starters finished with double-digit point totals. Five more players were able to score off the bench in addition to the starters.
Despite Paolo Banchero’s 36-point performance, Jalen Suggs was the only other Magic player in double figures.
The Celtics have their sights set on the prize
The Celtics are now on a five-game winning streak, which includes back-to-back triumphs over the Orlando Magic. Given the team’s numerous playoff heartbreaks, their recent performance suggests that they are desperate for a championship.
Boston reached the NBA finals for the first time since 2010, only to lose in six games to the Golden State Warriors — the team the Celtics will face again come Tuesday night on the road. The Boston Celtics met the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals the next year. When Miami went up 3-0, everyone believed the Celtics were finished. However, the green and white managed to rally back and tie the series at three wins apiece. Unfortunately, their spectacular comeback attempt fell short, as the Heat won the decider.
The Celtics, who added Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, have their sights set on Banner 18 this season. Nonetheless, in order for that to happen, they may have to unleash the “final form” that Jaylen Brown mentioned.