The Boston Celtics, who have secured the NBA’s best record with six games remaining in the regular season after a decisive win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, are now in a peculiar phase of their season. With the top seed secured and home-court advantage guaranteed throughout the playoffs, including the NBA Finals, the Celtics find themselves in a phase of “basketball purgatory.”
During this period, head coach Joe Mazzulla faces the challenge of keeping the team focused despite the lack of actual stakes in the remaining games. The primary goal is to avoid injuries, leading to potential absences for players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White in upcoming games.
Mazzulla also needs to finalize the playoff rotation, considering how playing time for role players like Payton Pritchard, Xavier Tillman, and Sam Hauser might change in the postseason. This phase allows for stress-free experimentation and preparation for different postseason scenarios.
However, the Celtics must balance resting key players with maintaining their competitive edge, especially given their struggles in close games this season. While their dominant record is impressive, their performance in clutch situations remains a concern, raising questions about their ability to handle pressure against strong opponents in critical moments during the playoffs.
Ultimately, these remaining games may lack significance for the Celtics in terms of standings but serve as a crucial period to fine-tune strategies and address weaknesses before the postseason’s high-stakes contests.
