Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders

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
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the floor as his last second shot misses in the second half against the Portland Trailblazers at TD Garden on January 21, 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

On Friday, January 21, the Boston Celtics suffered a 109-105 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. To make matters worse, the Blazers were without superstar guard Damian Lillard, and the Celtics were at home at TD Garden.

This was one of many particularly low moments for the Celtics, as the early months of the season were full of friction and turmoil in Boston. Off the court, players and coaches were voicing their frustrations to the media, and on the court, the Celtics seemed to lack energy and passion.

Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders

When the switch was flipped is up for discussion, but ever since Friday, January 21, the Boston Celtics have been playing amazing basketball. Since losing to the Trail Blazers, the Celtics have played 20 games, winning 17 of them. And since the beginning of 2022, the Celtics have boasted the NBA’s best defense, as well as the number one net rating.

In a big-time win over the Brooklyn Nets, budding superstar Jayson Tatum outdueled both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving en route to a 126-120 victory. With a flurry of beautiful moves and jump shots, Tatum finished with 54 points (the fourth time in his career he has scored 50+).

With a defining win on national television, many have started to take notice, and the national media has begun viewing Boston as a potential contender in the Eastern Conference. Winning a title is incredibly difficult in the NBA, and even the most talented rosters need some luck to win it all. All that being said, do the Celtics have a legit shot to make a finals run this season? In short… yes.