The Boston Celtics are coming off one of the best seasons in NBA history, culminating in their 18th championship title, which broke a 15-year drought. They were the best team in the league from start to finish, dominating both the regular season and playoffs. Led by Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, the Celtics secured the title with a commanding performance over the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
Despite their recent success, the Celtics are far from complacent. According to Brown, this team has no intention of resting on its laurels after finally claiming the championship, their first since 2008. In fact, if anything, the team is gearing up for another deep run with even more intensity.
Last season, the Celtics were an absolute powerhouse, finishing with an impressive 64-18 record. Even more telling than their win total was their dominance in terms of advanced metrics.
Their NET rating, which measures the difference between a team’s offensive and defensive efficiency, was four points higher than the second-place Oklahoma City Thunder.
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To put that in context, the gap between Boston and the Thunder was larger than the gap between second and seventh place. Their NET rating was the fourth-best in NBA history, joining the elite company of teams like the Michael Jordan-era Bulls, the Steph Curry-Kevin Durant Warriors, and the 2015-2016 San Antonio Spurs.
A key factor in the Celtics’ success was Jaylen Brown, who continues to establish himself as one of the league’s premier players. The three-time All-Star put up 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game during the regular season, but it was his NBA Finals performance that truly set him apart. Brown averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Finals while playing lockdown defense, helping the Celtics overcome Luka Don?i? and the Mavericks to claim the championship.
Although Brown’s summer wasn’t as triumphant, missing out on a spot on the Team USA Olympic Basketball roster—despite Kawhi Leonard withdrawing—Brown took it in stride. Instead of being named as Leonard’s replacement, his teammate Derrick White got the nod. For Brown, however, the extra rest may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing him to recharge for another championship run.
Heading into the new season, Brown has emphasized how grueling the team’s training camp has been under head coach Joe Mazzulla. “It’s been brutal,” Brown said, hinting that the team is taking nothing for granted. With the Celtics entering the season as favorites to win back-to-back titles, their preparation reflects the intensity and hunger to keep building on last year’s success.
Brown’s comments underscore the determination of a Celtics squad that is refusing to coast after winning it all. “We’re not satisfied,” he hinted in recent interviews, stressing that their goal is to build a dynasty, not just to celebrate one title. The core of Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and veteran leaders like Al Horford remains intact, and their commitment to excellence is evident in the way they’re approaching the new season.
The Celtics open their regular season on October 22 at home against the New York Knicks, who come in as a much-improved squad with championship aspirations of their own. But with Jaylen Brown and the rest of the Celtics laser-focused on defending their crown, fans can expect a team that is more than ready for the challenge.
