BOSTON (AP) — Brad Stevens had no idea the Boston Celtics would end up being one of the top teams in the NBA by the final week of the regular season. Despite the challenges facing the team, they are now just two wins away from securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and are considered legitimate contenders for the NBA title.
Stevens, the president of basketball operations for the Celtics, has maintained a one day at a time approach, emphasizing the team’s ability to focus on each game rather than make grand predictions or plans for the future.
With key players like Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday out for parts of the season, other players like Jaylen Brown have stepped up to lead the team. Brown has excelled as the No. 1 option, achieving career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists.
Stevens noted the collective effort of the team, praising the players for rising to challenges and continuing to improve throughout the season. He also credited the coaching staff, particularly head coach Joe Mazzulla, for putting the team in a position to succeed.
Stevens has preferred to remain in the background, allowing his players and coaches to receive the recognition for the team’s success. As the Celtics head into the playoffs, Stevens remains optimistic about their potential and refuses to place a limit on what they can achieve.
Overall, the Celtics have defied expectations and are now poised to make a strong playoff run, with Stevens and the team embracing a cautious optimism as they face the challenges ahead.
