Even after Tuesday’s 112-105 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics path the Cavs by 4.5 video games within the race for the highest seed within the East. However Tuesday’s sport proved the Celtics can do harm away from dwelling.
Cleveland is on tempo to earn the highest seed and home-court benefit, however Boston has now overwhelmed the Cavs on their dwelling court docket. Whereas the Cavaliers have the second-best dwelling file within the NBA with a 24-4 mark, trailing solely the 21-3 Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the Celtics have one of the best highway file at 20-6. They’ve truly been higher away from the TD Backyard, the place they’re 16-9.
Boston was nearly unbeatable on the highway in final yr’s playoffs, dropping solely Recreation 4 of the NBA Finals whereas going 7-1. Against this, each the Miami Warmth and the Cavaliers took a sport in Boston, and the Indiana Pacers took them to time beyond regulation.
It has been a pattern. In 2023, the Celtics have been 5-6 at dwelling within the playoffs, and 6-3 on the highway. In 2022, they have been 6-6 at dwelling, and 8-4 on the highway.
Maybe the Celtics merely focus higher in entrance of a hostile crowd. Perhaps the depth and screaming of Boston followers makes the house crew tighten up in massive moments. Perhaps Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown like consuming at eating places in different cities. Perhaps they’re nervous about disappointing Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in particular person.
For no matter purpose, home-court benefit hasn’t been a bonus in any respect for the Celtics. The dangerous information for the Cavaliers is that their improbable season might result in their first high seed since 2016 — and put them proper the place the Celtics need them. At dwelling.
