This team is nearly unbeatable. The Boston Celtics have furthered their lead atop the East by 1.5 games as they beat down the resurgent Sacramento Kings 122-104 to improve their record to 15-4.
Can anyone stop the Celtics? Despite so much offseason turmoil, this Celtics roster has proven that their Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors last season was not a fluke as they have only continued their dominating streak into this season by winning 15 of their opening 20 games.
Oh, and that means that they not only have the best record in the East, but also in the entirety of the NBA.
Yes, the Celtics are hands down the best team in the NBA, though the Milwaukee Bucks are a close second as they are only 1.5 GB Boston and have yet to have Khris Middleton suit up for them this season. Regardless, that fact didn’t matter for the Celtics or Jayson Tatum against the Kings as Tatum was explosive as he led Boston to an 18-point rout.
Going for 30 PTS, 8 REB, and 4 AST, while also shooting 59% from the field and 89% from the free throw line, Tatum was hands down the best player on the court last night. There was nothing the Kings could have done to stop him as he was a man on a mission, with even All-Star caliber players, such as Domantas Sabonis, unable to hold him down.
Tatum’s partner in crime, Jaylen Brown, was also fantastic last night as he had 25 PTS, 5 REB, and 4 AST as he played the ‘Robin’ role to Tatum’s ‘Batman’.
Prior to this season, I was very skeptical if the duo of Brown and Tatum was good enough to lead the Celtics back to the Finals and push them over the hump to NBA glory. Last season proved that they could get to the Finals, but their performances against the Warriors left a lot to be desired.
Truthfully, I was pushing for the Celtics to deal Brown this offseason to the Nets in exchange for Kevin Durant, who has already proven his worth by helping the Warriors dynasty to win two of their championships. But, to my surprise and delight, Brown has really stepped up his game this season as he has put in an All-NBA performance this season.
He is having a career year by averaging 25.6 PPG, 6.6 REBPG, and 50% FG shooting, which has been a big factor in the Celtics success.
Another major factor towards the Celtics success has been the consistent offensive production of the ‘role players’, such as Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Derrick White, Grant Williams, Payton Prichard, and Malcolm Brogdon. Last night it was White (16 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST) and Horford (13 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST) who stepped up for the C’s, though it really could have been anyone of the players I mentioned.
When Robert Williams comes back and provides his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber rebounding and defense, this team is going to truly be unstoppable.
As for the Kings, they simple just ran into a better team.
De’Aaron Fox (20 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST) and Domantas Sabonis (18 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST) had decent offensive nights, but they were never able to stop the Celtics superstars when they started firing. Apart from one outstanding 2nd Quarter when they outscored the Celtics 40-28, the Kings were blitzed to death by Tatum, Brown, Horford, White, and Co. as they continued to make shot after shot.
I mean, the Celtics shot nearly 50% from the field (49.4% to be exact), 43.2% from 3-point range, and 88.9% from the free throw line. Reversely, the Kings shot 41.4%, 25.0%, and 88.5% in those same, respective, stats. And, when you get outperformed in every major shooting statistic, you tend to lose the game.
Looks like the beam is staying off in Sacramento for the night as the Celtics continue to roll on.
Images Source: Featured Image:
