- Who between Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets do you think is the top contender for the 2023-204 NBA title
- Die-hard doubters of the Celtics had a field day on Tuesday
- A massive 22-point lead in the fourth quarter vanished in a shocking nine minutes
Who between Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets do you think is the top contender for the 2023-204 NBA title? Judge from Tuesday’s night match between the two teams.
Die-hard doubters of the Celtics had a field day on Tuesday. A massive 22-point lead in the fourth quarter vanished in a shocking nine minutes. This collapse was a good indication of Boston’s struggles in close games, featuring all their usual flaws.
They relied on jump shots instead of attacking the basket, failed to adapt to a hot opposing role player (Dean Wade), and saw Jaylen Brown disappear offensively. Critics who question Boston’s championship credentials (despite their 48-13 record) point to these meltdowns as prime evidence. It’s worth noting that nine of their 13 losses have come in clutch situations, as defined by the NBA.
One of those defeats occurred in a game that largely went according to plan against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets. For the most part, Boston led. In the second half, Denver narrowed the difference. With just under five minutes remaining, Boston had taken a 98-95 lead. The remainder of the game, Nikola Jokic outperformed them as the Nuggets ran away with a 7-2 lead.
Denver Nuggets in action. Photo/USA Today
Based on NBA history, a team that wins its first game is typically well-positioned to win its second and maybe even more. In this league, dynasties are what characterize it. Here are three reasons why the Celtics stand a better chance at winning the NBA championship this season.
Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets; Celtics Will Win
Here are three reasons why the Celtics stand a better chance of winning the NBA championship this season.
1. Statistics Favour Boston Celtics
Despite recent losses in close games, the Boston Celtics are favoured to win the NBA championship over the Denver Nuggets. Here’s why. According to statistics, they are the dominant team. While both teams struggle in clutch moments, Boston boasts a superior overall record. They rank first in offence and second in defence, a feat rarely achieved in recent NBA history. This dominance translates to a record-breaking point differential.
Moreover, compared to past juggernauts, the Celtics’ statistics are on par with the likes of the 2017 Golden State Warriors and the legendary Chicago Bulls teams of the 90s. While championships often bring recognition, Boston lacks the title pedigree that garners immediate respect. Analysts point out that past championship teams, like the 2015 Warriors, didn’t always feel inevitable at the time. However, their statistical dominance was later recognized after securing titles.
Similar to the 2015 Warriors, the Celtics’ young core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have the potential to build a dynasty. A championship win this year might be seen as statistically inevitable in hindsight, just like past championship teams. However, in a game of probability over Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets; count on the Celtics.
2. Boston Celtics Have an Upperhand
For Denver’s offense, a nice matchup does not exist. As close as anyone could practically get is Boston. Al Horford is one of the top post defenders in the NBA. Joel Embiid gets so mad at him that the Philadelphia 76ers once offered him an eight-figure deal, partly as a way to make sure he couldn’t play against them (a move that backfired tragically).
Jokic has only averaged 21.2 points and 7.3 assists in 15 games against Horford. Of course, that includes his whole career, and his most recent figures are better, but once more, this is Jokic. You’re not going to stop him. The best you can aspire for is mediocre.
Denver is facing problems as a result of the shooting in Boston. Jokic isn’t exactly an immobile rim guard. Denver spins well behind him, and he enjoys playing defence at the level of the screen. However, the fact that the Celtics are a legitimate five-out offence has repercussions.
Already, Denver’s defensive rebounding performance is mediocre. Kristaps Porzingis will spend a significant amount of the game defending while Jokic is on him. The Celtics have demonstrated that they aren’t scared to mismatch hunt when they put someone else on Porzingis.
3. Better Chances of Winning
Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets journey to the top isn’t an easy one. However, the Celtics are the frontrunners to take home the Eastern Conference crown, and potentially the entire NBA championship. Statistically, they’re a juggernaut, boasting the league’s best offence and the second-best defence. This dominance translates to record-breaking point differentials, putting them in the company of historical greats.
Their roster presents unique challenges for Denver, the defending champion. Additionally, the Eastern Conference lacks a clear dominant team compared to the brutal Western Conference playoffs.
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