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Celtics Maximization Fueled by Their Maturation: 'Not Taking Days for Granted'
The 2023-24 Celtics represent the most talented team the franchise has had since before Kevin Garnett tore his ACL in the 2009 season, taking from their title defense and a group that was playing even better than when it raised Banner 17 to the TD Garden rafters.
Let that be a lesson to this year's team. While Boston has what's widely considered the most talented top six in the NBA, who knows if it will get an opportunity as promising as this one to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy?
Whether it's injuries, the punitive nature of the collective bargaining agreement breaking up the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, or one of the endless factors that could get in their way, this is a chance at a championship they would forever regret squandering.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics know that. They have a veteran group that's been through a great deal throughout their careers. That even applies to Tatum, who at 25 has reached the Eastern Conference Finals four times in six years, came within two wins of a title, and is on his third head coach since entering the Association.
The lessons they've been through, including Boston getting burned for repeatedly playing down to .500 or worse competition last season, which cost them the top seed in the East, and looking ahead to the playoffs rather than staying present, have them embracing a "win the day mantra."
"I think we do a good job of not taking days for granted, whether it's practice or a big game or if it's not a big game, you try to take, treat them all the same and not take anything for granted," expressed Tatum. "It's kind of as simple as we're just trying to get better every single day."
Those comments came on the heels of him generating 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a block, and a steal in one of his most complete performances this season in a 126-97 victory vs. the Utah Jazz.
He also shared his perspective on the difference in this year's team and why they're having more success not getting caught up in elements, whether schematic, suddenly slicing through zone defenses, or emotional, like threes not falling or facing the 12th-ranked team in the Western Conference on a Friday night in January.
"Learning from, learning from our weakness that worked against us last year, and, kind of, kept us from getting our ultimate goal. And we got some new talent. KP (Kristaps Porzingis), we didn't have a seven-foot-four guy that we can throw the ball to when they switch and he can make the right play and score every time. It's tough. So, adding that guy, how D. White's been playing and having Jrue (Holiday), we've just got so many more weapons this year. But, I think KP is a big part of why it's hard to guard us."
The Celtics, including their soon-to-be five-time All-Star, sacrificing with a singular focus, putting the collective first, is why they're 27-7, sitting atop the NBA standings, and their top six has meshed so quickly.
It's another sign of their maturation, an evolution that's non-negotiable if they are to raise Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters.
Further Reading
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Brad Stevens Says Celtics Have 'Green Light' to Add to Payroll, But Boston Still Restricted
Celtics' Maturation, Sacrifice Fueling Their Success
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
