5 reasons that explain the recent success of the Boston Celtics
Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics are making all the right moves. There is something to love about the way this team have been performing during the early weeks of the current season, especially as they've looked better than Eastern Conference rivals Cleveland Cavaliers in comparison. Some things are worsening too though - injuries.
2008-09 was the most recent year that Celtics flourished from the start, where they had the big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Between the trio, they managed to sustain a 19-match winning streak, giving them the best start in franchise history.
The current crop have now won 10 straight matches and see themselves sitting comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference. Let's break down some of the reasons for their recent success.
#5 The schedule
Celtics came into the season winning all four of their pre-season games, establishing themselves as the 2nd favourite in the East. Despite losing Gordon Hayward to a season-ending injury on the opening night against the Cavaliers, they've only lost once more - which was against the Milwaukee Bucks at home directly afterward.
Since then, they've had a relatively easy schedule of fixtures. Apart from the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic, they've faced easier opponents such as the Atlanta Hawks and an inconsistent LA Lakers side.