Who’s Stopping Celtics From Winning the 2023–24 NBA Championship?

Clashing against the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics once again proved why they are the mighty frontrunners this season. In the absence of newcomer Jrue Holiday, the Celtics had a slightly weakened defense. They had to face the generational prospect, Victor Wembanyama while being undermanned. There is no room for error against Wemby with his unusually long wingspan and 7’4″ frame. Despite the Celtics having a much stronger and more complete rotation, we predicted a close matchup.

Jayson Tatum and Co made it seem like they were playing against a college team.

Defeating the once-triumphant Spurs coached by Gregg Popovich, Boston crossed their 26th win for the season. With only 6 losses in 32 games, they stand as the best team in the NBA so far. A smooth running and dynamic offense coupled with their tenacious defense has made it difficult to crack these giants.

No one has really been able to test them, expose any real weaknesses that could hinder their shot at gold. Is it time that will bring it out or are the Celtics simply that good?

Offseason additions have upgraded the Celtics into a dominant force

In the past two seasons, Boston has come within touching distance of being champions again. In their chase for an 18th title, they lost in the finals in 2022 and were eliminated by the Heat in the ECF last year. Doubts crept in about Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s synergy as a tandem after that defeat.

The pressure was relentless. However, the front office knew they were close. Tatum and Brown had blossomed into All-Stars, just like they would have wanted. The duo had the appropriate support in the role players such as Derrick White and Al Horford. But they didn’t have ample depth, a roster that can make up for their cornerstone’s shortcomings.

To aid the problem, they first traded for Kristaps Porzingis, a modern-day 7-footer who completed their ‘Big 3′. Still, the hunt wasn’t over. After losing Marcus Smart, they needed a ball handler. With time running out, the Milwaukee Bucks’ blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard somehow made Celtics the beneficiary.

Holiday, who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers immediately got a ticket to Boston. Finally, they had assembled a line up with 5 ‘All-Stars’.

The result was as one would have envisioned. The Celtics rank third in the league both offensively and defensively. The backcourt of White and Holiday, two pesky defenders create nightmares for their opposition. Porzingis swipes shots, catches lobs and makes long threes to impact the entire game. Tatum and Brown are doing their usual, closing out games and putting up staggering numbers.

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Last season, the Celtics had a unit capable of going to the ECF. Now, equipped with two premier talents, what could stop them from all the way?

No one has the firepower of the Celtics

No NBA team at the moment has the diversity and combinations that can rival the Celtics. In the same conference, the top teams are the 76ers and the Bucks.

Philly is seeing Tyrese Maxey enter the stratosphere of superstars in the league. Since James Harden forced his way out, the young and pacy guard has the ball in his hand a lot more than the previous seasons. He has increased his output by 6 points since last season. Additionally, he has allowed his playmaking skills to shine nearly doubling his career-best. Him along with MVP Joel Embiid have been formidable.

But even with them, the Celtics are currently winning the season series 2-1.

Milwaukee is a little different. They have two unstoppable forces and a championship pedigree in abundance. This is a side that lifted the trophy three seasons ago. Since that moment, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been hungry for another one. His offseason pressure led the franchise to trade for Damian Lillard, another individual desperate to be a winner.

It took some time but their partnership is slowly starting to show promise. Pick and rolls have increased, they have identified their roles, and sequences are starting to look instinctual. Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis fit in places the new Bucks duo can’t. However, they aren’t better than Boston.

In the West, we have new kingpins in the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is ascending into greatness and steering the ship along. Oklahoma City’s core is blossoming into a fierce challenge. The two LA teams have the motivation to make the city champions again. Even the Denver Nuggets want to repeat last year’s success.

But no one has an answer to the Boston Celtics so far. While facing the teams above .500, Boston has lost only 4 of their 19 contests. Each of their pieces on the board is producing optimally, and if needed exceeding their limits. The group is poised, fueled, composed and most importantly hungrier than ever.

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This is their window to capitalize. No team has the means to rival the Celtics’ star-studded lineup. At this point, only their own feelings can serve as a spear sharp enough to crack them.