Boston Celtics: A Dominant Force in NBA History
ICARO Media Group
The Boston Celtics have been on an absolute tear this season, establishing themselves as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. The Celtics' recent performance against the Golden State Warriors solidified their status, as they clinched an impressive 140-88 victory.
Right from the start, Boston exhibited their dominance, building an astounding 44-point lead by halftime. Such was their control over the game that Stephen Curry of the Warriors was rested for the entire second half, while Celtics coach Joe Mazzula decided to pull his starters early in the third quarter. This win marked the team's 11th consecutive victory, with Boston not only beating their opponents but crushing them.
A remarkable statistic emerged from this winning streak, with the Celtics outscoring their opponents by a staggering 243 points. This point differential represents the largest ever recorded over an 11-game stretch in NBA history. Boston's average margin of victory exceeding 22 points per game during this remarkable run further highlights their overwhelming power.
The Celtics' prowess extends beyond their recent achievements. According to NBA.com, the team currently boasts an NBA-best +11.6 net-rating. This places them second only to Michael Jordan's 1996-1997 Bulls, outperforming every other team in the league since the 1996-1997 season.
Looking back at historical net-ratings, the Celtics are in elite company. Only two other teams have finished a regular season with a net-rating of +10 or higher: the 1996-1997 Bulls and the 2015-2016 San Antonio Spurs. In terms of the top 10 best net-ratings ever, these Celtics rank amongst the most dominant teams, with only Jordan's Bulls surpassing their performance.
Even in terms of raw average point differentials, the Celtics are considered one of the best teams in NBA history. The 1972 Lakers, led by Gail Goodrich, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West, hold the record with a +12.28 point differential. The '71 Milwaukee Bucks with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, and Jordan's historic 1996 Bulls follow suit, with the Curry-Kevin Durant Warriors from 2017 rounding out the top four.
This latest victory over the Warriors carries symbolic significance, as the Warriors triumphed over the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals. However, Sunday's win was a statement for Boston, coinciding with Jayson Tatum's 26th birthday. Tatum, now older and more polished, leads an improved supporting cast, with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis further bolstering the team's strength.
The Boston Celtics continue to steamroll their opponents, exhibiting a level of play that positions them as a championship favorite this season. Anything less than clinching the title will be seen as a major disappointment for this unstoppable team.
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