The Boston Celtics have a three-day break earlier than returning to the ground, however that isn’t all of the defending champions must be pleased about this Thanksgiving.
Boston will take its seat on the Thanksgiving Day desk with a 15-3 report — adequate for the second seed within the Japanese Convention — because the NBA’s chief in 3-pointers made (18.9) and tried (50.6). Up to now, the artwork of “Mazzulla Ball” hasn’t misled the Celtics and it’s bought Boston burying any and all notions of a post-championship hangover.
Listed below are 4 causes the 18-time champs ought to really feel grateful this vacation season:
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS’ (EARLIER-THAN-EXPECTED) RETURN
No fear was larger than the 7-foot-tall concern that instantly despatched Porzingis to offseason ankle surgical procedure after Boston gained the NBA Finals in June. Many anticipated Porzingis to return round December to January, and primarily based on how the Celtics had carried out –going 14-3 with out the “Unicorn” himself — there was purpose to hurry the timetable.
Porzingis suited as much as a roaring standing ovation for Monday’s 126-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, logging 16 factors with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in 23 minutes. Now… the reigning champions are (totally) again.
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TATUM’S MOTIVATION COMING TO FRUITION
Certain, Tatum signed a record-large $315 million extension this previous offseason, however the highlight wasn’t directed on patting the five-time All-Star within the again contemporary off a title, it as an alternative centered round controversy. Tatum’s Olympic benchings for Crew USA — particularly, Steve Kerr — poked the bear inside Tatum and the 26-year-old’s unleashed beast has achieved wonders for the Celtics.
Tatum has led Boston in factors (28.4), rebounds (8.2), assists (5.8) and steals (1.1), all whereas taking pictures 45.1% from the sphere, and proving Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla proper all alongside all through the MVP-caliber begin.
“He will get to cope with (the stress),” Mazzulla mentioned on Netflix’s “Staring 5” documentary. “It’s the last word praise. You realize, and that’s what we talked about. Like, that is what you requested for.”
PRITCHARD’S AWARD CANDIDACY
Because the Celtics didn’t have Porzingis able to go on Opening Evening, depth turned an inherited pink flag. Pritchard, nevertheless, alleviated these issues by breaking out as one of many league’s most elite off-the-bench 3-point shooters, averaging a career-high 14.8 factors with 3.5 threes drained per recreation.
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Boston’s revealed that Pritchard’s defensive stride — urgent from full-court — has been used routinely throughout practices, and primarily based on the 27-year-old’s present development, Pritchard can be on the forefront of the Sixth Man of the 12 months race.
THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS AND JOEL EMBIID
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks had been something however a deer to concern final season, and this go-around… the numbers converse for themselves. In the meantime, the new-look Philadelphia 76ers have new-look issues.
Doc Rivers is perhaps reaching again out to ESPN about that commentary gig as Milwaukee’s 9-9 begin has been something however promising. The Sixers, too, have their fair proportion of drama as Embiid’s lack of availability, each for video games and practices, makes Philadelphia (3-13, 14th within the East) an early candidate to tank — maybe in hopes of snagging Duke’s Cooper Flagg in subsequent yr’s NBA draft.
