The Boston Celtics have surged into second in the Eastern Conference standings. In what many projected as a gap year, they continue to defy expectations.
While those on the outside applaud them, internally, the standard hasn't changed. The Celtics are far from satisfied.
"I take a lot of pride in being first in the East, and we still need some work to get to that point. So that's the main goal," declared Payton Pritchard after Boston's 115-101 win over the Chicago Bulls.
It was a victory that spoke volumes about this team. They had just returned from the West Coast, completing their longest road trip this season. Mentally and physically exhausted, it was more of a personal challenge than about that night's opponent.
The Celtics are hitting all the right notes
Boston conducted a grueling training camp. Jaylen Brown declared it the most difficult one of his career. That set the tone for the campaign to come. It laid the groundwork that allowed them to right the ship quickly after starting 0-3.
Joe Mazzulla overhauled his team's approach at both ends of the court. The Celtics have become more aggressive on defense. As the season has progressed, they've tweaked their pick-and-roll coverage. They've also made adjustments to help limit opponents' second chances.
Offensively, they're running a multi-layered, read-based attack. Combining elements of popular sets enables them to consistently create quality looks.
The changes they've made have resulted in Boston generating the second-most points per 100 possessions, limiting teams to the second-fewest points per game, and boasting the third-highest net rating in the NBA.
Are the Celtics happy with how the current campaign is unfolding? Of course. Are they content? Far from it.
"We're used to being 1st and winning championships," stated Pritchard during a recent appearance on NBA on Prime. "We are trying to be the number 1 seed and work our way to being in that championship conversation again."
Perhaps there is a significant reinforcement on the way to help with that quest.
As Dr. Kevin Stone, a leading expert in Achilles tendon repairs, shared, Jayson Tatum returning this season is "definitely realistic."
If that happens, even if he's not at his All-NBA First Team form, there's a significant chance he proves the most meaningful addition any franchise makes between now and the end of the current campaign.
Even if Tatum's return must wait until next season, with Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP level, and players throughout the roster capitalizing on increased opportunities this year, the Celtics are proving they're capable of contending in a wide-open Eastern Conference.