Defending Champs Cruise To Historic Win, Even With Key Players Missing

The Celtics made a triumphant return to Atlanta recently, and this time, they held onto a commanding lead without any drama, unlike last year’s mishap that even led to Joe Mazzulla suffering a meniscus tear from training too hard (arguably out of sheer frustration). This visit to ATL was a different story, as they clinched their first 30-point win of the season, and they did so with 40% of their starters watching from the sidelines. When you consider the challenge of missing key players, that’s quite an achievement.

Leading up to the game, it seemed like a classic “look-ahead” scenario—a potential trap as it capped off a four-game road trip with a high-stakes match against Golden State looming large the next night. Often, you see teams stumble in these situations, distracted by what’s ahead rather than focusing on the task at hand.

Yet, the Celtics shattered any concerns, delivering their largest victory margin of the season, even with nearly 50 points of their firepower not dressed to play. Sure, the Hawks might be struggling defensively this season, but the real story here is about the reigning champs doing what champions do—taking care of business without cutting corners.

Remarkably, the Celtics have kicked off their 2024-25 season on an even stronger note than the historic previous year. With a record of 7-1, the top-ranked offense (121.8), and a +14.1 net rating, they are clearly on a mission.

There’s additional room for improvement on their defense, which ranks fourth, hinting at the immense potential lying in wait. Essentially, they’ve been cruising, yet still dominating, and that spelling trouble for their opponents.

We did send out a warning—this era is shaping up to be defined by the Tatum/Brown duo, and this performance is proof.

Now, let’s talk about Jayson Tatum. Incredibly, out of the eight games played so far, Tatum has only needed to step on the court for the fourth quarter in five of them.

This season is already shaping up to be the best of his career, exceeding expectations set as he plays without the burden of title drought pressure. Tatum’s approach is spot-on, showcasing a masterful balance between perimeter shooting and paint dominance.

He starts with lethal efficiency from behind the arc, forcing defenses to overcommit, which he then punishes with strong finishes at the rim. It’s a pick-your-poison dilemma for defenders.

Tatum’s shot profile, in fact, is an integral part of why the Celtics’ system thrives.

Reflect on past greats like Larry Bird, and you’ll understand this isn’t just about stats—it’s about appreciating a player who is redefining the standards for the franchise.

Derrick White also deserves a nod here. His recent performance—hitting 8-16 overall and 4-9 from three—brought a fresh spark just when the Celtics needed it.

He’d been in a subtle shooting slump, but stepped up precisely when his offensive contributions were crucial, particularly with Jaylen sitting out. White’s versatility is incredible; he isn’t just an exceptional role player—he’s a star in his own right.

His game blends perfectly with Tatum’s, offering deep-threat precision and assertive moves to the rim.

Defensively, the Celtics have tightened significantly, owning the fourth-best defense in the league. They locked the Hawks down, keeping them under 24 points in three of the four quarters and under 100 overall—the first time they’ve done so this season.

A key to this was solid transition defense, winning the fastbreak battle by an eye-popping 35-4 margin. This turnaround from their earlier defensive form highlights the importance of converting their own chances while frustrating opponents’ breakaway opportunities.

Off the bench, Payton Pritchard is living up to his Sixth Man of the Year hype, bringing energy and efficiency like never before. Against the Hawks, he poured in 18 points on 7-12 shooting, exemplifying the depth and reliability that this Celtics squad brings to the table.

In short, the Celtics are more than just surviving without their full roster; they’re thriving and sending a clear message to the rest of the league.