Hoops Habit
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6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround

By Rob Greene

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 25: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0, Marcus Smart #36, Robert Williams III #44, and Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics react on the sideline during a game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on January 25, 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) /

But are the Boston Celtics NBA title contenders?

The Celtics are only one game back of both the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, who sit at second and third in the Eastern Conference, respectively.

Boston’s core of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford has years of playoff experience together, and Robert Williams got a great taste of playoff ball last year.

They are more than capable, and elite at, switching everything and locking down any team. The Celtics grit will undoubtedly make other teams uncomfortable in a seven-game series.

But in the postseason, teams need more than just an excellent defense. Teams need isolation scorers and players who can take over a game one-on-one. Luckily for the C’s, they have Tatum and Brown, who have two of the league’s best isolation scorers. Plus, they have even impreoved at passing out of double-teams and making the correct play as leaders.

It is hard to list any team that has been better and more precise these last few months than Boston. If the Celtics can keep up this level of play, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be taken seriously as NBA Finals contenders.

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