When the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals in 2022 – and came tantalizingly close to reaching the mountaintop – they consequently put an enormous amount of pressure on themselves for years to come.
Their climb to contenders was indisputable, and it was already abundantly clear they were building something special, but that season provided something tangible. Those within the organization, the fan base and members of the media all collectively realized it was within reach in 2022 and would be again in 2023 and beyond. Everyone decided anything short of a championship would be a disappointment.