The Celtics have proven this year that no early-season slump is insurmountable, surging all the way to the NBA Finals after starting 25-25.
The Red Sox have a long way to go to emerge as World Series contenders, but at the moment they’re following a similar trajectory. The Celtics won nine of their next 10 following those first 50 games, and the Red Sox – who started 23-27 – can earn their ninth victory in the last 10 with a win over the Mariners on Saturday.
The Red Sox were 14-22 in mid-May. They’ve won 17 of 23 since and find themselves in the thick of the playoff picture.