Getty Image / Maddie Malhotra
The Boston Celtics had one of the best seasons in NBA history last year. They were the best team in the NBA pretty much wire-to-wire and dominated the playoffs, winning the franchise’s 18th title behind a strong performance from Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Are the Celtics resting on their laurels from last year after finally winning their first title since 2008 following a few near-misses? Based on comments from Jaylen Brown, they certainly aren’t doing that.
The Boston Celtics were absolutely dominant last year. They went 64-18, and they were even better than their record suggests. Their NET rating was four points higher than the second-place Thunder. To put that in perspective, their gap over second place was bigger than the gap between 2nd and 7th in the NET. It was the fourth-best NET rating of all-time, joining teams like the Michael Jordan Bulls, the Curry-Durant Warriors, and the 2015-2016 Spurs in the top five.
Jaylen Brown was a big part of that. The three-time All-Star Averaged 24-6-3 in the regular seasons. But, it’s his NBA Finals performance that he will be remembered for. He averaged 21-5-5 and played sensational defense as the Celtics beat the Mavericks in five games.
The rest of the summer didn’t go so well for Jaylen Brown, though. He was left off of the Team USA Olympic Basketball Team roster, and wasn’t even selected as a replacement when Kawhi Leonard had to pull out. Instead, teammate Derrick White was selected.
Frankly, that just allowed Brown time to rest and get ready for an attempt at back-to-back titles, a feat that the casinos think they’re the favorites to do. And, it’s a good thing he rested, because training camp has been brutal.
https://twitter.com/zm_cox/status/1839721627044413715
It’s great to see a really talented Celtics core not coasting into the season after a championship.
The team opens up the regular season on October 22 at home against a loaded Knicks squad. Jaylen Brown and his teammates will be ready, though.