Boston Celtics Recapture Mojo During Win Streak

In a season in which inconsistency has been one constant for the Boston Celtics, they promptly ended a four-game losing streak the only way they know how: by starting a winning streak.

The Celtics have now won three in a row after making a furious comeback to defeat the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, capped off with a late lay-up by Jae Crowder to seal the victory.

Boston, now 22-19, has moved to within 3.5 games of the first place Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic division. The victories have also moved the Celtics back into position as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, currently one game in front of the Orlando Magic.

It’s not exactly where the Celtics need to be, as far as positioning in the playoffs go. Luckily we’re still a few months away and they have a chance to improve on their current place. If not, a first round match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers would be on the docket.

One of the reasons Boston had success in the early season was because of their defense. For much of the year, this team was consistently holding opponents under 100 points.

More from Boston Celtics

During the four-game losing streak, however, opponents averaged nearly 106 points per game. Coupled with the struggles on offense, the Celtics season seemed to be going down the drain right in front of our eyes.

Boston responded by winning three in a row with a dash of solid defense and improved consistency on offense. The Celtics are now ranked 11th in the NBA in opponent’s scoring (100 ppg), dropping them slightly from where they stood a few weeks back. Thanks to their last two victories, though, the Celtics improved to 3-16 this season when an opponent scores 100 or more points.

Part of that reason is an offense that is now ranked seventh overall, averaging 103.3 points per game. A lot of that can be credited to the play of Isaiah Thomas.

Thomas, throughout the season and especially over the last seven games, is a man seemingly try to will the Celtics to victory all by himself.

Over the past five games, Thomas is averaging 29.6 points per game and is shooting 50% from 3-point range. During that span, he’s had three games in which he’s scored 30 points or more, with his improved shooting factoring into how the Celtics offense performs.

While Thomas continues to do his part in vying for an All-Star selection, Jae Crowder’s game is warranting similar consideration.

Crowder is doing it on both ends of the floor, and has also elevated his game over the last five contests. Aside from the game-winner against the Wizards, Crowder is averaging 19 points and 5.2 rebounds per game over the last five contests. He’s also contributed nine steals over that span and is a catalyst to the Celtics ranking third overall in that category.

Thomas and Crowder are playing lights out as of late, but contributions will need to continue to come from the entire roster if the Celtics are to keep their good mojo going.

Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, and Amir Johnson have all had great stretches of basketball this season. Trouble is, they also seem to disappear for stretches at a time, leading to losing streaks or losing to teams the Celtics should beat (see: Nets, Brooklyn and Knicks, New York).

Getting and staying healthy will also be key for the Celtics as the second-half of the season commences. Marcus Smart recently returned to the lineup and appears to be finding his rhythm again, judging by his triple-double against the Suns last Friday. Keeping Avery Bradley and Sullinger healthy will also be a must.

More from Chowder and Champions

The Celtics will look to keep the winning mojo alive this week with three road important road games. The Dallas Mavericks and Raptors are on the agenda, as are the five-win Philadelphia 76ers. Mixed in there is a home game with the Chicago Bulls, who defeated the Celtics 101-92 in Chicago a few weeks ago.

A 3-1 week is not out of the question for the Celtics. Even though there are still deficiencies in Boston’s play, those are much easier to swallow when the team is winning.

Celtics players appear to feeling the good mojo and are playing looser in doing so. Which is perfect because with the All-Star break approaching and the Eastern Conference playing better this year, the Celtics are going to need all the good mojo they can get.

Home/Boston Celtics