The Boston Celtics will enter the brand new season because the reigning NBA champions. Joe Mazzulla’s staff dominated the common season and steamrollered their method by the 2024 playoffs, holding groups to underneath 100 factors in 11 of their 19 video games.
But, regardless of their dominance, the Celtics have been compelled to look at their championship credentials be questioned within the media, as they have been accused of benefiting from a simple run to the NBA Finals. Boston confronted the Miami Warmth, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers earlier than defeating the Dallas Mavericks to hoist the 18th championship banner in franchise historical past. Their first three opponents all had video games with out their respective star gamers on the court docket.
This summer season has supplied much more purpose for motivation inside the Celtics roster. Jayson Tatum endured a troublesome tenure with Staff USA on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jaylen Brown was snubbed from the Staff USA roster. And the media has continued to write down off Boston’s possibilities of a repeat efficiency subsequent season.
“As a competitor, you’re at all times searching for any key identifiers that might allow you to be motivated, keep motivated and add to that chip in your shoulder,” Brown stated throughout an interview with NBC Sports activities Boston. “I’m that kind of man already. I’m at all times searching for one thing. When issues don’t go your method, or these voices get louder, it makes you get up much more to drive and be higher. So, I’m excited to get again going with the blokes. I’m excited to begin the brand new 12 months.”
