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Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders

By Jack Duggan

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 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 - MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 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) /
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Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Jaylen Brown #7 after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders: Offense

On offense, the Celtics have also seen major improvements as of late. In the past two months, point guard Marcus Smart has been a revelation for Boston, averaging almost seven assists per game and scoring on some of the best efficiency of his career.

Having Smart settle into a true point guard role allows Jayson Tatum to operate with more freedom, and Jaylen Brown to thrive in his role as an elite scorer.

Over the past month, Tatum has once again shown why he is one of the best players on the planet. In the past four games, Tatum is averaging roughly 42 points per game on stunning efficiency. He outplayed some of the most talented scorers in NBA history last Sunday and has shown flashes of elite playmaking as well.

Boston has finally surrounded their two young stars with reliable shooters, and it has been a massive boost to their offensive production. Grant Williams is shooting above 40 percent from three, and even Al Horford has seen a massive improvement in his three-point efficiency recently. With shooters on the floor with them, bringing a double team against Tatum and Brown has gotten much harder.

With an elite defense, a legitimate superstar in Jayson Tatum, an elite co-star in Jaylen Brown, versatile shooters, and playoff experience, this Celtics team is uniquely equipped to be a playoff nightmare. And seeing them make a run to the NBA Finals is becoming more realistic with each passing day.

Will they continue their recent success into the playoffs and accomplish one of the single greatest season turnarounds in NBA history? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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