The Boston Celtics have been the best team in the East this calendar year
On the surface, as a whole this season, it’s easy to look at the Celtics and see why they’re being overlooked. Their offense has been up-and-down all season and, specifically, was bad to start the season. So much so that they’re ranked outside of the top 15 this season.
However, in the last calendar year, the Celtics have flatly been the best team in the Eastern Conference. And that can’t be overlooked or ignored. Since December 31, the Celtics are 23-8 (best in the conference) and seventh-best offensive rating, best defensive rating (by a good margin), and best net rating (also by a good margin).
It’s true that the Celtics were a mess to start the season. And it’s become clear that a big reason why was due to their new head coach as they tried to hit the ground running with him. However, at least for now, it appears that the growing pains are behind them and this team has finally hit its stride.