In 2018, the Boston Celtics went on one of the most inspiring playoff runs in recent memory, built on the strength of a power-in-numbers approach. You see, it wasn’t the usual suspects that kept the team, not only afloat, but in the conversation for a legitimate Eastern Conference champion favorite until the waning moments of game seven of the conference finals.
It was third, second and even first-year players that were never expected to contribute to playoff success so soon. Since then, Brad Stevens has tried to recapture that magic in a bottle. This year’s team may have the cohesiveness to pull off a similar feat, especially after a tremendous start to the season.