Boston Celtics: Changes to Lineup Might Signal Change of Fortune

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 08: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 8, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Celtics defeated the Suns 116-109 in overtime. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1 of 3

The Boston Celtics bounced back with a big win over the New Orleans Pelicans after changing the starting lineup. See why coach Stevens made the right move.

After going 1-4 in their last five games, and 5-8 in November, it became clear that the Boston Celtics needed a convincing win to convince themselves and the rest of the league that they were still a team to be feared.

Their recent struggles have been taking a toll within the locker room and left many of their fans worried and questioning the status of their team. Monday night in New Orleans the Boston Celtics finally got that win, albeit, against a struggling Pelicans team in their own right.

Nonetheless, the Celtics showcased that they wouldn’t play down to competition – talented competition, in fact – or loosen up their defense come crunch time, which has been a massive struggle for the Celtics as of late (the Celtics rank 22nd in defensive rating in the last five minutes when the game is within 5 points, per NBA.com).

The Celtics finally achieved their first convincing win by taking care of Anthony Davis and his Pelicans on the road by the score of 124-107. And, while the Celtics will want to forget that November ever existed, there have been flashes of what the team can become, a lot of that highlighted in Monday night’s victory.

Home/Celtics News