The Boston Celtics made historical past on Monday night time, ending a six-game highway journey with an ideal file. Their 117-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies secured their first-ever 6-0 highway journey, a exceptional achievement for the franchise.
Dominant Performances Throughout the Journey
The Celtics began their journey with a commanding 121-99 win over the Utah Jazz, adopted by a 129-116 victory in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers. They continued their robust type with a 113-95 win over the Sacramento Kings. Even with out star participant Jayson Tatum, they overpowered the Phoenix Suns 132-102. A 121-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs set the stage for his or her ultimate win in Memphis.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised his group’s mentality after the ultimate recreation.
“This complete highway journey was about taking our mindset to a different stage,” Mazzulla advised his gamers within the locker room. “Going 6-0 for the primary time ever on this franchise is one thing we’ll want as a result of we’ve got to maintain enhancing.”
Profitable in Model
The Celtics didn’t simply win all six video games—they did so in dominant style. Every victory got here by double digits, marking solely the second time in franchise historical past they’ve achieved such a feat. The final time this occurred was in March of the earlier season, simply earlier than their championship run.
Historical past means that lengthy profitable streaks on the highway are an excellent signal for the Celtics. Up to now, they’ve received not less than 5 straight highway video games by double digits in the identical season 5 occasions. 4 of these seasons ended with an NBA title, whereas the fifth resulted in an Japanese Convention championship.
Derrick White’s File-Breaking Night time
Derrick White made historical past of his personal in the course of the Memphis recreation. He broke Isaiah Thomas’ franchise file for probably the most three-pointers in a single season, sinking his 246th three-pointer of the marketing campaign. White hit the record-breaking shot early within the fourth quarter over 7-foot-4 Zach Edey.
Reflecting on his achievement, White mentioned, “Trying again on my profession, I by no means thought I’d be on this place.”
Earlier than becoming a member of the Celtics, White had by no means made greater than 84 three-pointers in a season. Since then, he has improved every year, with 149 and 196 in his earlier two full seasons. He’s now on observe to complete this season with 270.
Nevertheless, he may not maintain the file for lengthy. Jayson Tatum is shut behind with 240 three-pointers, whereas Payton Pritchard has 238.
Horford’s Veteran Management
Al Horford performed a key position within the win over Memphis, main the group in scoring with 26 factors. He shot 9-of-18 from the sphere and made six three-pointers.
It was Horford’s highest-scoring regular-season recreation since February 2021 and his greatest for the Celtics since October 2017. His teammates had been filled with reward for the 18-year veteran.
“Oldest man on the group, and he had probably the most vitality on the final recreation of a highway journey,” mentioned Tatum.
Trying Forward
With their historic highway journey behind them, the Celtics return residence with momentum and confidence. Their dominant performances counsel they’re critical contenders this season. If historical past repeats itself, this spectacular run may very well be an indication of one other deep playoff push.
