3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics 134-112 win vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
NBC Sports
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown went over 30 points apiece for the seventh time this season as the Boston Celtics took down the Minnesota Timberwolves. And coupled with a Philadelphia 76ers loss, they have officially completed an improbable turnaround, going from 11th to first in the Eastern Conference. Here are some takeaways:
1. Never expected this
After a loss to the New York Knicks in overtime back in January, the Boston Celtics sat at 11th in the East with an 18-21 record. 36 games later, this team has completely changed its expectations for this season, vaulting to the top spot in the conference with seven games to go. Watching them defeat the Timberwolves on Sunday night, you see a group of men who love to play with and for each other. The defense is tight and the offense is finding its groove. If I’m dreaming, then just let me sleep. No Celtic fan wants to wake up from this sweet dream!
2. Tatum and Brown continue to lead
Jayson Tatum’s stat line from Sunday’s game: 34 points in 34 minutes (12-for-21 FG, 5-for-11 3PT, 5-for-5 FT, five rebounds, six assists)
Jaylen Brown’s: 31 points in 35 minutes (12-for-20 FG; 3-for-5 3PT, 4-for-4 FT, 10 rebounds, two assists)
These two have figured out how to complement each other, and together, they have lifted the Celtics to the best team in the conference. They have figured out, along with the rest of the team, how offensive ball and man movement works for everyone in green and white (or green and black). They have teamed with Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, and Derrick White (15 points on Sunday), along with Al Horford to give Coach Udoka the ability to be aggressive on defense and switch on a regular basis with outstanding results.
3. Can the Celtics stay on top?
Based on recent play, there is no reason to think that Boston cannot carry this momentum right to the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. Obviously, health plays a major role in this, as well as the players continuing to fill their respective roles and buy into what the coaching staff is selling. Right now, everyone is clicking on all cylinders and everything looks great. What they must not do is take their foot off the gas. As Jerry Reid once sang:
“Keep your foot hard on the pedal!
Son never mind them brakes!
Let it all hang out ‘cause we got a run to make!”
If the Celtics continue to play to win and not worry about anything or anyone else, they will be able to keep the top seed. And we know how important home court is in the postseason. Only time will tell, but we love what we are seeing right now!
The Celtics will be back in action on Monday night when they face the Toronto Raptors in Canada. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
