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After being pretty close to conference finals appearances in the past few years, this 2022 playoffs, the Boston Celtics finally made it into the ECF. After sweeping the Nets in the first round, eliminating the Bucks & the Heat in Game 7, Jayson Tatum and co. were crowned the Eastern Conference champs.
Despite putting up a great fight, the inexperienced Cs lost the NBA Finals to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
However, the Massachusetts-based organization is looking better than ever before, with vengeance in its actions.
Playing some of the best basketball in recent franchise history, Joe Mazzulla’s boys currently have an impressive 22-10 record and are merely 0.5 games behind the #1 Milwaukee Bucks.
Also Read: Nets Fans Direct Nasty Heckles Towards Jordan Poole During Humiliating Loss
“I believe in Boston”: Stephen A Smith
The Bucks, backed by 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, have the best record in the entire league at the moment. However, Stephen A Smith joins the likes of many fellow analysts and basketball enthusiasts who have their faith in Boston.
In the recent-most episode of ESPN’s First Take, the 55-year-old stated that he backed the Celtics to defend their conference title. Putting a lot of focus on the team’s defense, SAS further said:
“I believe in Boston. Listen, I’m looking at Tatum having an MVP-caliber year. I’m looking at Jaylen Brown being that dude. Robert Williams is now back in the lineup. He’s been back for 3 games. I’m not paying attention to back-to-back losses to Orlando, that’s not gonna really matter in the grand scheme of things. Boston is that team, as far as I’m concerned, the reigning conference champions, their perimeter shooting is more reliable, their free throw shooting is more reliable.
I believe their offence will be there but I think their defense will be elevated as time goes on.”
.@stephenasmith has the Celtics winning the East 🏆
“I’m looking at Tatum having an MVP-caliber year. I’m looking at Jaylen Brown being that dude.” pic.twitter.com/s1gyJ2ujfU
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 23, 2022
Is Jayson Tatum a legit MVP candidate?
Yes, the Celtics’ have several star players who can go off on any given night. However, Tatum is the major reason why they have the 2nd best record in the entire association.
Currently, on pace to record the Celtics’ highest-ever PPG in a season, the former Duke Blue Devil is averaging a staggering 30.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
The forward has fallen down a couple of spots in the latest MVP ladder and is #3. However, as the season progresses, and Boston continues to win games, JT’s shot at the MVP honors will only keep improving.
Also Read: Jayson Tatum’s Raw Advice to the Orlando Magic #1 Pick
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