3 takeaways as the Boston Celtics rout the Nets 129-106
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on February 24, 2022 in New York City. The Celtics won 129-106. 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on February 24, 2022 in New York City. The Celtics won 129-106. 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8b7246bbe70bac4d8a81f47fd9b1eb9c05224bd73e0e255a77e5aea7e64e6d82.jpg)
Boston Celtics takeaway No. 3) The East is wide open
The Boston Celtics have a very real chance of coming out of the East. That is phenomenal considering there was a point where many doubted their ability to avoid the play-in tourney.
Why do they have a shot?
The C’s are 35-26 and that’s good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference and now they only sit a game back from the Cavs who lost to the Pistons Thursday for the fifth spot.
We also have a game cushion on the Raptors.
The Nets and Hornets seem to be backsliding, while the Hawks and Knicks are struggling to make up ground.
To put it into a higher perspective, we are only one and a half games back from the Sixers for third in the East and just four and a half games back from the Chicago Bulls for the first seed.
Also, many oddsmakers and NBA prediction analytics have the C’s coming out of the East as they are the hottest team in basketball.
Boston has been on a tear since Marcus Smart’s return in the New Year and this has not been the same old team.
The defense is far and away from the best in the league since Christmas. The offense is slowly coming around in terms of better ball movement and 3-point shooting.
They also seem to play with a more frenetic pace off of turnovers.
With young all-world athletes like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams, this team was built to play fast.
Any way you want to cut it, the C’s are on fire and it’s not just dumb luck.
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