Expectedly, the Celtics took everybody’s best shot on most nights, watched as several unheralded players registered career games, and then there was the bumpy stretch in January. But the Celtics reached 60 wins for the second consecutive season for the first time since 2008 and 2009, and are in an optimum position as they prepare for the real season.
Joe Mazzulla wouldn’t reveal whether he plans on playing any of the starters in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Hornets, but he likely won’t. Those regulars will watch from the bench, wait for their first-round opponent, rest, and then prepare.
The positive is the Celtics are in better physical condition this year than last. Kristaps Porzingis is healthy and left Friday after the first half to make sure it stayed that way. Jaylen Brown has been dealing with knee issues, but indications are he’s improving and should be ready for Game 1 next weekend.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens brought back essentially the same roster as last season and then added Torrey Craig at the trade deadline. And the team improved because the bench improved. Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet have taken significant steps forward, while statistically there was a slight dropoff in scoring and 3-point shooting.
Their second-half resurgence ensured they would claim the No. 2 seed, and likely finish just three games back of their win total from 2024.
While chasing and capturing a crown is incredibly difficult, returning as the defending champion brought on new challenges.
The Celtics weren’t as healthy as last season, with Brown battling leg injuries and Porzingis missing the first five weeks recovering from ankle surgery. Jrue Holiday got off to a slow start. Derrick White struggled in the midseason.
Perhaps the season’s low point occurred with a home loss to the Rockets, a game where Dillon Brooks hit a career-high 10 3-pointers. The Celtics regrouped and are 28-6 since, shoring up their defense and being better prepared for those unlikely players who delivered career nights.
Mazzulla tried to instill a mentality that made his team hungrier the second time around. While this season after the title was grounding, it was enjoyable, according to Tatum.
“It’s been a lot of fun, honestly,” he said. “Bringing everybody back besides Oshae (Brissett), we have such a joy and connection with each other. It was some tough moments or whatever it may be, but with one game left in the season, everybody has felt valued; everybody has played a part in our success this season. Everybody understands the common goal that we share and we know who we are. We know who we are individually. We know what we bring to this team to make it what it is. And have so much fun doing what we do.
“You realize when you’re on special teams and you’re with special guys, you just try to cherish those moments. The season goes by fast, but it’s been a fun one so far.”
An overlooked reason behind their success is the refusal to skip steps. There obviously had to be impatient moments this regular season for a team that will strictly be judged on how it performs in April and beyond. But the Celtics mostly took the first 81 games seriously. There were moments when they lacked concentration, played poorly (like at Toronto) or plainly weren’t good enough but they were able to respond from those setbacks.
The Celtics haven’t lost more than two games in a row since Mazzulla’s first season as coach. They produced the best road record in franchise history, and perhaps could have tied the NBA record if not for a scheduling quirk that forced them to play their final road game in Orlando a night after a rugged game in New York.
As the Celtics enter Sunday with one last opportunity to give their two-way players some heavy minutes and a final look, and celebrate their fans with prizes and promotions, they can reflect on a successful regular season but realize that this postseason road will be far more difficult than last.
They should be credited for their fortitude under difficult circumstances. Being a defending champion is not easy. Complacency can set in. Just look at the Denver Nuggets, who fired their coach less than two seasons after winning the title because of regression and dissension in the locker room.
The Celtics’ opponent in last year’s Finals, the Dallas Mavericks, never even sniffed a top four seed in the Western Conference this season, and then decided to trade their franchise cornerstone and begin a reboot. The Celtics brass have remained consistent, retaining their roster, putting them in positions to succeed and improve, and ensuring they were their best selves at the right time.
So the regular season is over, the playoffs are here, and the Celtics appear ready and anxious to begin what will be a treacherous road to a repeat.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.
