Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 biggest surprises from first month of 2019-20 NBA season

By James D. Tillman III

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Javonte Green #43 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 11, 2019 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Javonte Green #43 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 11, 2019 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Boston Celtics

Following a run to the conference finals in 2018 in which they came within one win of the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics didn’t take the leap that some expected in last season’s playoffs. Following a sweep over the Indiana Pacers in the opening round, the Celtics’ postseason run concluded with a 4-1 series loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Then, there was the offseason that saw them lose Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency. With two key pieces no longer in the mix, it would have reason to presume that the Celtics were going to fall in standings a bit.

However, that hasn’t been the case. Having posted wins in seven of their previous 10 outings, the Celtics have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 11-4. From an offensive standpoint, they are right around where they were a season ago, coming in at No. 14 in points per game.

The Celtics are ranked 11th in offense and fifth in defense. They finished 10th and seventh in these areas a year ago. Additionally, Boston is ranked fifth in opponent field-goal percentage.

https://twitter.com/celtics/status/1197386832075317250

Kemba Walker, the Celtics’ leading scorer, has proven to be a viable replacement for Irving. Before going down with an injury, Gordon Hayward had rediscovered his previous form. With Jayson Tatum (20.5 PPG) and Jaylen Brown (18.8 PPG) making their presence felt, the Celtics are challenging for one of the top four spots in the east.

As good as they have been playing thus far, it will be interesting to see if they sustain this momentum as the season progresses.