Despite recent play, the Boston Celtics are still in a strong position in the East
The Boston Celtics are still atop the Eastern Conference in wins and have continuously improved throughout the young, but aging 2018 NBA season. Some teams have risen up and some have fallen, but Boston has continued to play dominant basketball. As the Celtics step into the new year, it is important to keep in mind some key factors for the squad.
First off, it is important that Boston continues to take notice and sense hungry predators attempting to take over the #1 seed in the East. Most people say that when you’re in front, don’t look back and just keep running. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to one’s surroundings, and for Boston, those surrounding appear to be two opponents.
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By opponents, I am referring to the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Surprisingly, yet not surprising at all, the Cavaliers managed to come back to the head of the pack in the East after starting the season exhausted and at the bottom. Cleveland is now only two games behind the Celtics, and each day, seem to be growing stronger and healthier, as both Derrick Rose and Isaiah Thomas continue towards their returns.
Ahead of Cleveland are the Raptors, guided by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. Arguably one of the best backcourts in the entire league, the dynamic duo puts up great numbers game after game and are the key instigators in the young core for Toronto. With these two guiding the young and hungry roster, it is important for Boston to continue to sense their presence as the season rolls on.
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Clearly, Boston is a talented team, led by players like Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. But with every talented team comes other squads looking to take their place. As Boston enters the new year (probably still atop the East) it is important for every player on the roster to understand that amazing potential continues to exist and grow every single day, and that it is essential that every player fights for that potential.