The Boston Celtics are heading to the playoffs. Brad Stevens' team clinched a postseason appearance after the Chicago Bulls defeated the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Brooklyn is still battling the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Brad Stevens has the Boston Celtics back in the playoffs
The Boston Celtics clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs when the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Bulls.
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
In Stevens' second year as coach, the Celtics are heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2013, the last year Doc Rivers coached the team. Stevens deserves much of the credit for the Celtics' success -- Jesus Gomez breaks down Stevens' success here.
The Celtics roster has gone through a myriad of changes throughout the season. After starting the season 9-14, they traded Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and draft picks. They dealt away Wright and Jeff Green at the trade deadline on Feb. 19, but picked up Isiah Thomas.
Thomas is averaging over 19 points a game for the Celtics. The Celtics have a balanced attack with five other players scoring in double figures, too -- Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller are all averaging at least 10 points per game. Marcus Smart is having a great rookie season for the young Celtics, who will be a dangerous in the playoffs.
Boston is in the playoffs for the 52nd time in franchise history. They’re not likely to add an 18th NBA title, but don’t be surprised if they give a higher-seeded team a scare in the first round.
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