Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from the midseason point
![BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 17: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 17: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden on November 17, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/dc4793eeba27a3361b0dd4395cb8fa8e3315f15521aae468b007cc9129c288e5.jpg)
The Boston Celtics have hit the midway point after Thursday night’s loss to the Miami Heat. Here’s three takeaways for the team’s season at the midway point.
The Boston Celtics have hit the midway point of the season and are currently 25-16, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference. It’s been an up-and-down season, as many people didn’t anticipate them sitting this far back in the East.
They have picked things up as of late, winning four straight before their loss to the Miami Heat Thursday night. They’ve also had a much-needed eight-game winning streak after a 10-10 start to the season.
There’s been numerous lineup changes, a heated exchange between Marcus Morris and Jaylen Brown and team meetings. The return of Gordon Hayward has been more negative than it has positive. Then again, he did have a gruesome injury five minutes into the season last year.
Second-year forward Jayson Tatum is having a good year, but has had some struggles shooting the ball as efficiently as his rookie season.
That’s to be expected from a young player, not to mention the idea that teams have an extra year to prepare for their matchups against the young budding star.
Despite some low points, there has been a lot of good things for the organization. Marcus Smart and Kyrie Irving have been terrific this season. Even Morris has looked like a completely different player, then again he is on his contract year.
Through all the turmoil and good moments, the Celtics will need a better second half of the season if they wish to make a push for the top-four seeds and potentially land home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Here’s a look at three takeaway’s from the midseason point of the 2018-19 year.