The Boston Celtics had one definitive goal in mind when the new season began: they wanted to get back to the NBA Finals – and they wanted to win.
They have the talent to do that but a few speed bumps have already provided challenges to the team.
They lost two stars, Danilo Gallinari and Robert Williams, to injuries.
Additionally, the coach of the team, Ime Udoka, was suspended for a whole year right before the new season kicked off.
All of this cast a lot of doubt on the Celtics.
Celtics bench shooting through six games:
50.4 FG%
51.5 3PT%
84.2 FT%— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) October 31, 2022
But the team is still striving and fighting hard.
They have a 4-2 record right now and several of their starters, like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, are playing wonderful ball.
However, the team’s bench has been stellar too.
Through the first six games of the year, the bench players have averaged a 50.4% field goal percentage, a 51.5% three-point percentage, and 84.2% from the free throw line.
Those numbers prove that the entire team, not just the starters, wants to win it all.
They also prove that the team could have the stamina and depth needed to make the Finals.
A Full Roster
As great as Tatum and Brown are, a team can’t win it all with just two great players.
Just ask the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers.
With a bench full of explosive talent, the Celtics stand a chance to overtake the rest of the East and make the Finals.
They give guys like Tatum and Brown time to rest and keep the crew competitive and powerful for every quarter and every minute of the game.
If the whole team can keep playing like this all season, a Finals appearance is very likely.
NEXT: How Important Is Grant Williams To The Celtics?