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Celtics Surge Past Expectations Behind Brown's Leap and Youthful Core

A pivotal trade window now approaches for a team managing Jayson Tatum's Achilles rehab.

Overview

  • Boston is 18-11 and sitting third in the East, with top-tier marks in net rating, offensive rating and turnover control.
  • Jaylen Brown has taken the lead role, averaging 29.4 points with a run of 30-point outings that positions him in All-NBA territory.
  • Low-cost contributors are driving depth gains, with Neemias Queta emerging at center, Jordan Walsh starting on a 12-4 clip, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez posting a rare +80 over three games.
  • Joe Mazzulla, credited for steadying an overhauled roster, became the third-fastest NBA coach to reach 200 career wins.
  • Attention turns to Feb. 5 trade decisions, with Anfernee Simons’ expiring deal widely discussed and frontcourt depth flagged, as Tatum’s Achilles recovery is described as progressing with a potential early‑March return projected in coverage.