The Boston Celtics are among the few teams that are entering the postseason this year with a great deal of confidence and high hopes. After finishing the regular season as one of the best teams, the Celtics are working towards their nineteenth championship. Still, this campaign strikes me as having a different feel. With impressive games from their key players, strong defence and teamwork, Boston has leapt from leading the season to being a real playoff contender.
How the Celtics Dominated the 2025 Regular Season
They ended the regular season with a strong record of 61-21, placing first in the Eastern Conference. It was also impressive to see how the team achieved their success. The Celtics were fifth in the league for both offence and defence, which proves they are strong on both sides of the ball.
Mazzulla developed a system that made sure the team was well-organised while also allowing a lot of flexibility. Scoring in transition, organised rotations and teamwork, the Celtics stressed these three main aspects to achieve success in the postseason.
Key Regular Season Stats:
- Net Rating: +8.9 (1st in NBA)
- Defensive Rating: 109.2 (3rd in NBA)
- Points Per Game: 117.8 (5th in NBA)
- Opponent Field Goal %: 44.6% (2nd in NBA)
How the Celtics Started the 2025 NBA Playoffs
In the playoffs, we faced the 7-seed Orlando Magic in the first round. However, with all their youthful energy, Orlando still fell to the Celtics in five games since Boston demonstrated better strength and steadiness. In three of the five matches, Boston managed to hold Orlando under 100 points on their defence.
Tatum and Brown started the charge, but it was Derrick White, Al Horford and Payton Pritchard who boosted the group’s winning attitude. Thanks to their teamwork, close games were won, showing that it’s not just one or two players who make Boston a top team.
First Round Takeaways:
- Celtics won the series 4-1
- Averaged 111.3 PPG, allowing only 98.6 PPG
- Shot 38.7% from three-point range
- Forced 14.2 turnovers per game
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s Playoff Stats 2025
For a team to make it through the playoffs, they need stars, and the Celtics have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Currently, Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the playoffs, averaging 29.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists each game. When it counts, LeBron James now goes for the better shot, and he is speaking out more as a team leader.
Brown and Tatum work well together, as Brown drives to the basket, shoots from medium range and hounds defenders. Because he is both strong in transition and can defend players on the top wing well, there is no one like him.
They are known as one of the most dangerous two-way wings in the NBA
Tatum & Brown Together (Career Playoff Performances):
- 56.2 PPG
- 14.8 RPG
- 46.9 FG%, 37.3 3P%
Key Players Helping the Celtics Win
Most championship teams are not built only around their celebrities. Boston’s strength in numbers has been its secret advantage.
Derrick White: He defends the guards fiercely and also hits his three-pointers at a solid 40% or above. Because of his basketball IQ and quick thinking, he brings calmness when the game gets frenzied.
Al Horford is still the defensive leader, swiftly switching on these plays and striking with three-pointers when needed. He uses his leadership to have an impact on the team that stats fail to capture.
Moments for Payton Pritchard & Sam Hauser: Their successful shooting and hustle allow Boston to remain energised and focused on holding leads.
Why Celtics' Defence Is Winning Games
In the playoffs, the Celtics are known mostly for their strong defence. Although Marcus Smart is no longer here, the Celtics are still excellent on defence. Boston plays well in the first five positions, delivers an intense presence in defence and speaks at the highest level of basketball.
Containing powerful offences is key for them because it enables them to score in transition. This season, Boston is scoring 17.3 points on turnovers, the third-highest rate in the playoffs.
Defensive Highlights:
- Allowed <100 points in 4 of 7 playoff games
- Top 3 in defensive rebounding rate
- Holding opponents to 32.6% from beyond the arc
Who Will the Celtics Face Next?
The deeper Boston goes into the playoffs, the more challenging the games become. Transporting to the courts of the Knicks or the Cavaliers requires mastering trade-offs in physical games, skills on the boards and controlling the speed. Their versatility and years of experience give the Celtics the advantage.
Things needed to improve:
- Doing well with three-point shots over and over
- Limiting chances to get second points
- Having a range of plays used in the half-court offence
Can the Celtics Win the 2025 NBA Championship?
The Celtics may have to face the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets or the Phoenix Suns, who added key players this season. Everyone is associated with different threats.
Nikola Jokić from the Nuggets should focus on stopping teams in the post and rotating for help.
Playing together on the perimeter, Durant, Booker, and Beal face matchups with the switch-oriented Boston team.
Yet, the Celtics have gone into this season more prepared than in the past. Based on what they’ve achieved and the lessons they’ve gained in the recent postseasons, the Warriors may find themselves leading the NBA with 19 titles, going past the Lakers.
Unlike many other high-seeded playoff teams, this year’s Boston Celtics are structured to be strong and effective in June championship games. They already look like a true contender this season, whether in the regular season or playoffs.
The only question that remains: Can they finish the job?
Also Read: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Full Schedule, Matchups, and Predictions
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
