The Boston Celtics will enter the brand new season as the reigning NBA champions. Joe Mazzulla’s crew dominated the common season and steamrollered their method by way of the 2024 playoffs, holding groups to beneath 100 factors in 11 of their 19 video games.
But, regardless of their dominance, the Celtics have been pressured to observe their championship credentials be questioned within the media, as they have been accused of benefiting from a straightforward run to the NBA Finals. Boston confronted the Miami Warmth, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers earlier than defeating the Dallas Mavericks to hoist the 18th championship banner in franchise historical past. Their first three opponents all had video games with out their respective star gamers on the court docket.
This summer season has supplied much more motive for motivation inside the Celtics roster. Jayson Tatum endured a difficult tenure with Team USA on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jaylen Brown was snubbed from the Group USA roster. And the media has continued to put in writing off Boston’s possibilities of a repeat efficiency subsequent season.
“As a competitor, you’re at all times searching for any key identifiers that would enable you be motivated, keep motivated and add to that chip in your shoulder,” Brown stated throughout an interview with NBC Sports activities Boston. “I’m that kind of man already. I’m at all times searching for one thing. When issues don’t go your method, or these voices get louder, it makes you get up much more to drive and be higher. So, I’m excited to get again going with the fellows. I’m excited to begin the brand new 12 months.”
