Hardwood Houdini
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The Boston Celtics are back on track heading back home

By Jack Phillips

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics grabs the rebound against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 23: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics grabs the rebound against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are feeling good heading home for the first time since the break

The Boston Celtics have begun the second half of the season with two straight wins, both of those wins coming on the road. The Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks fell victim to the Celtics’ great ball movement and team chemistry, and Boston is now within half of a game behind the Toronto Raptors and grabbing hold, yet again, of the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

While the Celtics have played very well as of the last few days, the Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled somewhat. The Cavaliers recently lost to the San Antonio Spurs, and Lebron James seemed to be frustrated with the lack of defense and lack of foul calls he’s been able to draw from the referees. While the King argues over calls, the Celtics silently pull farther out of reach and continue to secure a higher spot in the conference.

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And the fact that the Celtics are somewhat slipping under the radar should be regarded as a positive thing. Charles Barkley said just over a week ago that the Cavaliers and Raptors were the only two candidates for taking control of the Eastern Conference (more so in the Playoffs), and he went on record saying that the Celtics were not in that conversation.

While many people disagree with his comments towards Boston, the Celtics are now presented with the opportunity to quietly compete and prove Barkley’s comments wrong. Many people are influenced by the media’s comments towards certain teams or players, so when Barkley says something negative towards Boston, lots of people might take his word for truth and start to think that.

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And while that negative image may be planted in some fans’ heads, Boston can ignore the negativity and simply, play the game of basketball. That’s what it all comes down to in the end, and if Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can continue to ignite the Celtics and their fans, then there should be no surprises if the Celtics return to another Eastern Conference Finals, and maybe, even the NBA Finals.

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