Ranking the Celtics’ 10 biggest threats in their quest to repeat

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Ranking the Celtics’ 10 biggest threats in their quest to repeat originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Wednesday night’s Thunder-Cavaliers showdown lived up to every bit of the hype.

The first battle of teams on double-digit win streaks in 30 years featured 30 lead changes and had an obvious playoff feel. And the fact that Cleveland emerged despite an off night from Donovan Mitchell (11 points on 3 of 16 shooting) only hammers home how much the frontcourt tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have evolved (46 points and 22 rebounds combined).

We spent much of the week pondering Boston’s biggest threats in its quest to repeat while the Celtics were visiting top Western Conference foes. But Wednesday’s game might truly have been a showdown of the two biggest obstacles in Boston’s quest for another Larry O’Brien Trophy.

So nearing the midway point of the 2024-25 season, here’s one writer’s opinion on Boston’s top threats:

1. Cavaliers

In a vacuum, we’d probably slot the Thunder here, especially considering they’ll eventually add Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren back to the best defense in the NBA.

But we’re giving the Cavs the nod for one simple fact: The Thunder still have to emerge from a loaded West to truly be a threat to the Celtics, while a Boston-Cleveland showdown in the East finals feels like an inevitability.

The Cavaliers are pulling away atop the East and have proven that their hot start to the season was no fluke. Mobley has made a leap, the Cavaliers no longer need Mitchell to carry them in clutch situations, and Cleveland is flexing its depth.

The Cavaliers have the best offense in the league (by nearly two points per game over the Celtics), are 19-1 at home, and are now 11-0 against the West. They check all the boxes for a legitimate contender, and we’re left wondering how much more competitive last year’s series against the Celtics might have have been if they were at full health.

Can we fast forward to Boston’s pre-All-Star visit to Cleveland on February 4?

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen combined for 46 points and 22 rebounds in the Cavs’ win over the Thunder on Wednesday.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-celtics-10-biggest-threats-182640386.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2025-01-09 18:26:00

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