So Far So Good: Celtics Aren’t Repeating Last Season Debacle

The 2010-2011 seasons came with much anticipation, excitement but most of all it came with hope. Hope that the torture the Celtics put their fans in last year wouldn’t repeat; hope that there would be no more losses to the lowly Nets or 28 point blowouts to Washington at home. Hope that with a revamped roster and a rejuvenated Kevin Garnett the 82 game NBA season would be respected and there would be no coasting or lackluster play. So far that hope has been fulfilled and the Celtics are living up to the expectations that were set during the summer. Sure there have been moments where the Celtics have looked like the team from last year but there’s something different this time around. There’s a sense of urgency for the regular season and an intensity that was lacking in 2010. Fingers can be pointed all around for who is responsible for the different approach toward the regular season but my clear cut nominee is Kevin Garnett. The passion that he brings along with his energy is going to be vital parts towards the success the Celtics hope to have this season.  Last year with the Celtics desperately in need of someone to charge them up and push them Garnett wasn’t there to do it, his injury not only slowed him down physically but affected his ability to yell and scream at teammates to get them going. With his knee at a very stable place the confidence that he lacked last year is back and he’s having no problems leading once again. His leadership along with the great play of the team has given the Celtics a respectable 12-4 record and they currently sit atop the Eastern Conference.  With key wins against some of the East’s best contenders, Heat, Hawks and Bucks, the Celtics look like a prime choice to once again reach the NBA finals.
With all the positives things that have been going on this year Celtics fans haven’t had a lot to worry about. The injuries to Delonte and Jermaine have brought some problems but the major concern of the Celtics not trying this year has been answered.  Fans won’t be put through another roller coast season and now instead of the hope we’ve been carrying all summer we can turn it into faith. Faith that this play keeps up and by April we will be talking about how good the Celtics have been playing and how they are the favorites heading into the playoffs.