5 Reasons Why the Celtics Have What it Takes For a Big Playoff Run

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Mar 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) celebrates after a basket behind Golden State Warriors forward David West (3) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Consistency

Yes, the Celtics have had problems with non-playoff teams this season, but it’s a completely different story when Boston plays teams like the Warriors and the Cavaliers where they seem to thrive in the big spotlight. It’s not like they are going to be playing these trap games in the playoffs. They will be playing tough competition throughout and if anyone knows how to rise up to competition the best, it’s definitely the Celtics.

The team recognizes that they had problems winning consistently, as Horford said this to Abby Chin of CSNNE after their win against the Timberwolves:

"I think we’ve been talking a lot about us begin inconsistent at times, we just want to build good habits."

It’s the bigger games where the defense seems to intensify the most and good defense brings good offense. Boston knows how to play in big games, especially when healthy. When needed to, Bradley and Smart will step up and lock down any of the top guards in the league when the game is on the line. If the Celtics can consistently win to finish the season, they might even come away with the 1st-seed in the East. Boston’s problems with lack of consistency look as if they are being solved.

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