The Wizards and the Celtics are the future of the Eastern Conference The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics squared off for the final time this regular season, with the Celtics taking the win at home, 110-102. With the loss, the Wizards’ push for the second seed in the Eastern Conference becomes that much more difficult, as they now trail the Celtics by two and a half games for the second spot. They also have just a one game cushion over the Raptors for the third seed. In addition to postseason seeding implications, the game between Boston and Washington represents a budding rivalry between the two franchises. Together, the two teams represent the future of the Eastern Conference. Budding stars like John Wall, Isaiah Thomas, Bradley Beal,
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Midway through the second quarter, as the Celtics took the ball down the court, Brandon Jennings stopped in Terry Rozier’s path. Rozier did not appreciate that, and pushed straight through Jennings, sending him tumbling to the hardwood. Both players were assessed technical fouls for their involvement. This kind of incident has become commonplace when the Wizards and Celtics play each other, and it’s a good thing. When two teams dislike each other, there’s a reason for it. It’s rooted in a sense of mutual respect. Rivalries don’t happen when teams are playing poorly. Rivalries are born when two good teams play each other for the same prize. With the Wizards and Celtics both becoming playoff contenders, we are witnessing the birth of a …show more content…
Both teams are among the youngest in the conference. The players on the Wizards and Celtics have an average age of 25.8 and 25.6 respectively. When compared to other title contenders like the Spurs (29.1), Cavaliers (29.7), and Warriors (28.1), it becomes clear that the two teams are built to contend well into the future. In addition to the youth in their rosters, the teams are helmed by two head coaches who bring a winning culture into the organization. Brad Stevens, in his first NBA coaching job, has successfully rebuilt a Celtics franchise that is now well ahead of schedule. When the Celtics stole Stevens away from Butler University, there was apprehension regarding his youth and ability to control a locker room. After a rough start to his professional coaching career, Stevens has improved his record every year, and turned the Celtics into a perennial playoff team.
The Celtics have lost in the first round of the playoffs each of the past two years, but this year is different. Led by Isaiah Thomas’s 29 points per game, the Celtics look to be more than a one and done in this year’s playoffs. The Celtics currently occupy the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and are being discussed as a serious threat to the Cavalier’s quest for a repeat championship. If a Finals appearance eludes the Celtics this year, it still seems a serious possibility for them in the near
Midway through the second quarter, as the Celtics took the ball down the court, Brandon Jennings stopped in Terry Rozier’s path. Rozier did not appreciate that, and pushed straight through Jennings, sending him tumbling to the hardwood. Both players were assessed technical fouls for their involvement. This kind of incident has become commonplace when the Wizards and Celtics play each other, and it’s a good thing. When two teams dislike each other, there’s a reason for it. It’s rooted in a sense of mutual respect. Rivalries don’t happen when teams are playing poorly. Rivalries are born when two good teams play each other for the same prize. With the Wizards and Celtics both becoming playoff contenders, we are witnessing the birth of a …show more content…
Both teams are among the youngest in the conference. The players on the Wizards and Celtics have an average age of 25.8 and 25.6 respectively. When compared to other title contenders like the Spurs (29.1), Cavaliers (29.7), and Warriors (28.1), it becomes clear that the two teams are built to contend well into the future. In addition to the youth in their rosters, the teams are helmed by two head coaches who bring a winning culture into the organization. Brad Stevens, in his first NBA coaching job, has successfully rebuilt a Celtics franchise that is now well ahead of schedule. When the Celtics stole Stevens away from Butler University, there was apprehension regarding his youth and ability to control a locker room. After a rough start to his professional coaching career, Stevens has improved his record every year, and turned the Celtics into a perennial playoff team.
The Celtics have lost in the first round of the playoffs each of the past two years, but this year is different. Led by Isaiah Thomas’s 29 points per game, the Celtics look to be more than a one and done in this year’s playoffs. The Celtics currently occupy the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and are being discussed as a serious threat to the Cavalier’s quest for a repeat championship. If a Finals appearance eludes the Celtics this year, it still seems a serious possibility for them in the near