Last year’s Boston Celtics held more 30-point leads than they did 10-point deficits throughout the regular season and playoffs. They were far and away the most dominant team in the league, breaking records in what felt like almost every other game.
With the entire core returning this year, many people assumed that dominance would continue, and maybe even improve since they wouldn’t have to worry about gelling with new teammates. So far, that hasn’t been the case.
At this point, the Celtics have played 14 games, 7 of which have been considered “clutch games,” meaning that the game was within five points with 5 or less minutes left in the game.