Despite retaining nearly their entire championship core, the Boston Celtics were reportedly still worse next season. For that reason alone, the Milwaukee Bucks need to strike while the iron is balmy to deal with the biggest threat in the Eastern Conference.
Season 2023-24 ushered in a fresh era for the Boston Celtics, as they moved forward without longtime point guard Marcus Smart, who was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason. In a bold move, the Celtics acquired two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers, bolstering their defensive line.
The Celtics’ regular season was simply dominant. They clinched a playoff spot earlier than any other team, won the Atlantic Division for the third straight year, and secured the top spot in the East. Finishing with a perfect 64-18 record, Boston had the best record in the NBA, returning to the Finals for the second time in three years.
In the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Eastern Conference, easily dispatching the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers. Despite an injury to Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics defeated Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks in the finals to win their first championship since 2008. The Celtics’ stifling defense held the Mavericks under 100 points in all four of their wins, solidifying their status as the NBA’s best team.
Milwaukee Bucks Expect to Take Advantage of Boston Celtics Next Season
Even though the Celtics played great last season, they are expected to be a bit worse once the fresh campaign begins, as explained in article published by Bleacher ReportIf that happens, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will have to take advantage of it.
“The biggest problem of all is the health of Kristaps Porziņģis. He will be miss the beginning of next year and likely won’t be back before Christmas after surgery to repair a torn ligament and sprained posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. Who knows what he’ll look like when he returns or how much he’ll be able to play on a nightly basis,” Bleacher Report said.
“The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers will be more dangerous if they are healthy. Less established teams like the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have been good and could improve,” the article added.
Porzingis’ presence on the court has allowed Jayson Tatum and the Celtics to run an offense that dominated nearly every team in the NBA last season. Without the Latvian center, the Bucks can exploit Antetokounmpo to great effect, dominating the three-point line while All-Star point guard Damian Lillard stretches the floor. If the duo succeeds, Boston won’t be able to repeat its success as Eastern Conference champions.
With Porzingis out, the Bucks have a chance to be the best team in the East. If they can stay robust, especially Antetokounmpo, no team will be able to stop them next season.
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