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Can the Boston Celtics Overcome a 7-Year Curse

Can the Boston Celtics Overcome a 7-Year Curse?

Written by betting bet on . Posted in Blog.

After clinching the 2024 NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics are now faced with the challenge of repeating their success. Will they have the drive to defend their title, or will they follow the trend of the last six champions who failed to do so?

The NBA has seen a new champion emerge each year for the past seven years, with the last team to successfully defend their title being the 2017 Golden State Warriors. That team boasted an exceptional roster, including stars like Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. Can the Celtics break this streak?

Let’s delve into the potential hurdles the Celtics might encounter, as well as the advantages that could support their quest for back-to-back championships.

Top 5 Reasons the Boston Celtics Could Repeat as Champions

1. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s Determination
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is eager to kick off the title defense. In recent interviews, he expressed his ambition, stating, “I have been thinking about repeating since the whistle blew in the 2024 Finals.” His confidence sets a positive tone for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

2. Jayson Tatum’s Stellar Year
Jayson Tatum experienced an incredible summer, winning an NBA title, gracing the cover of NBA 2K25, and signing a historic $314 million contract. After a challenging stint with Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he faced limited playing time, Tatum is expected to return with a renewed focus, aiming for the regular season MVP award.

3. Jaylen Brown’s Drive for Respect
Jaylen Brown played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ championship run, earning MVP honors in both the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. However, his exclusion from the initial Team USA roster has left him eager to prove his worth. Despite claiming he has nothing to prove, Brown likely feels a strong motivation to showcase his skills this season.

4. Historical Dominance
During their championship run, the Celtics lost only three playoff games, setting a record for offensive efficiency with 122.2 points per 100 possessions. Their performance last season showcased their potential, finishing first in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency.

5. Team Continuity
Unlike other championship teams from the past seven years that lost key players, the 2024 Celtics retain their core roster. If they can stay healthy, they have a legitimate chance to repeat their success.

Top 3 Challenges to Their Title Defense

Despite being well-positioned for a repeat, the Celtics face several obstacles:

  1. Tougher Competition in the East: The Eastern Conference has improved, making it less likely the Celtics can dominate as they did last season.
  2. Increased Pressure: Unlike the previous season, every game will carry significant weight, and they cannot afford to rest key players.
  3. Center Depth Concerns: With Al Horford nearing 40 and Kristaps Porzingis prone to injuries, the Celtics may struggle with depth at the center position.

Potential Challengers to the Celtics

Injuries and luck play significant roles in the NBA, and the Celtics must remain vigilant against other contenders.

New York Knicks
Since Leon Rose took over as president of basketball operations, the Knicks have built a well-rounded team, highlighted by Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. Their acquisition of Mikal Bridges has alleviated pressure on Brunson, making them a formidable opponent for the Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers
With a potentially elite trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George, the Sixers could pose a significant challenge. However, health remains a concern, particularly for Embiid and George. If they can stay healthy, Philadelphia will be a serious contender.

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks faced challenges integrating Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard last season. With a full training camp under their belts, they could return to title contention. Lillard’s adjustment to a new environment and role will be critical for their success.

Western Conference Teams
The Celtics faced a lower-tier NBA Finals team last season, and it remains to be seen whether they will experience similar fortune in the upcoming playoffs. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets will be vying for a spot in the Finals, potentially providing stiffer competition.

As the Celtics embark on their quest for another championship, the stakes have never been higher. Will they break the curse that has plagued past champions, or will they falter like their predecessors?

Source:  https://lastwordonsports.com/basketball/2024/09/12/can-the-boston-celtics-break-a-7-year-old-curse/