So, nine games into the season and the Boston Celtics’
record stands at 3-6.
Not exactly ideal but what did you expect going into this
season?
Is a 3-6 record an accurate reflection of the Boston
Celtics?
No doubt, the Celtics are a young team on the rise behind a
coach who is entering just his second year in the NBA.
Having said the Celtics’ record is a little misleading and
it’s important not to over-react (yet).
Here are the results so far:
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OPPONENT
|
RESULT
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Brooklyn
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Houston
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Dallas
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Toronto
|
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Indiana
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Chicago
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Oklahoma City
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Cleveland
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Phoenix
|
Seven of the Celtics’ first nine games have been against
teams that made the playoffs last season. The other two opponents – Cleveland
and Phoenix – didn’t make the playoffs. Cleveland is a major NBA title
contender this season and Phoenix finished with 48 wins to miss the playoffs by
one game in a loaded Western conference.
Of their six losses, four games have been lost by five
points or less. Also, in those four games, the Celtics scored over 100 points.
It’s clear that the Celtics have the ability to score-their problem lies in defence,
which is usually a challenge for any young team.
With that all being said, there’s plenty of time for the
Celtics to make up for lost opportunities.
There will be no better chance for the Celtics to get their
season back on track tomorrow night in Philadelphia against the 76ers who are
the only team to remain winless after 10 games this season.
I know it seems a little patronising and ridiculous to be so
upbeat about beating the poor hapless Philadelphia 76ers (it would take the
most cold-hearted to not feel for them) but it’s a big opportunity to give some
talented youngsters a chance to build confidence for the rest of the season.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Celtics perform in person
tomorrow night and drawing my own assessments about the Celtics for the rest of
the season.
