In a season marked by dominance, depth, and discipline, the Boston Celtics have etched their names in the NBA history books once again. With a staggering .792 win percentage, the 2024-25 Celtics not only clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference but also delivered one of the greatest regular seasons in franchise history—second only to the legendary 1985-86 team led by Larry Bird.
A Season of Near-Perfection
The Celtics wrapped up the regular season with a 65–17 record, showcasing consistent excellence on both ends of the court. Night after night, Boston overwhelmed opponents with a lethal mix of elite defense, versatile scoring, and unrelenting pace. Their .792 win percentage reflects not just how often they won, but how convincingly they did it.
Only once in the franchise’s storied history has a Celtics team finished with a higher winning percentage: the 1985-86 squad, often regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, ended their season 67–15 with a .817 win percentage.
To even be mentioned in the same breath as that Bird-led team is a remarkable achievement, and this year’s squad has earned it.
Building a Powerhouse
Much of the Celtics’ 2024-25 success can be attributed to their front office’s aggressive roster construction over the past few seasons. Led by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, the team made critical moves to reinforce its core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The acquisition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis during the 2023 offseason turned an already formidable team into a matchup nightmare. Porziņģis provided rim protection and floor spacing, while Holiday added championship experience and defensive tenacity.
The Celtics were also anchored by veterans like Derrick White, who had a breakout year, and Al Horford, the ageless big man who continued to contribute crucial minutes off the bench. Add in the sharp shooting and floor leadership from Payton Pritchard and a healthy rotation, and the result was a team with few, if any, visible weaknesses.
Statistical Superiority
Boston’s dominance wasn’t just reflected in the standings—it showed up in nearly every.
The Celtics often jumped out to early leads, thanks to their blistering pace and perimeter accuracy, and rarely relinquished them. Their ability to switch defensively, clog passing lanes, and force turnovers made life miserable for opposing offenses.
And then there was Jayson Tatum, who continued his ascent into superstardom. Averaging over 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, Tatum was the engine that powered Boston’s elite offense. His ability to take over games—especially in crunch time—was reminiscent of past Celtics greats.
Echoes of 1986
Comparisons to the 1985-86 Celtics are inevitable—and deserved. That team, led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Bill Walton, steamrolled the league and later captured the franchise’s 16th championship.
Much like Bird’s team, this year’s Celtics emphasized selfless ball movement, suffocating team defense, and veteran leadership. While the NBA landscape has changed dramatically in the last four decades, the core values of Celtics basketball remain intact.
The ‘86 team went 40–1 at home, a feat that’s still unmatched. This year’s squad posted an impressive 36–5 home record, showing how much TD Garden once again became a fortress.
Even longtime fans and analysts have drawn parallels between the two teams.
The Job’s Not Done
As remarkable as the regular season has been, the Celtics know that legacies are forged in the playoffs.
Last year’s crushing defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals—at the hands of the Miami Heat—still lingers in the minds of many players. That loss became a rallying point, a source of hunger, and a key motivator throughout this season.
Now, with the league’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, the Celtics have a golden opportunity to turn regular-season greatness into postseason glory.
Their potential path to the Finals won’t be easy. The Eastern Conference remains stacked with threats like the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers. But Boston, armed with experience, chemistry, and an elite two-way roster, appears more than ready.
A New Era of Dominance?
Whether or not this season ends with Banner 18 hanging in the rafters, one thing is clear: the Boston Celtics are in the midst of something special. This year may be a turning point—a transition from being annual contenders to a modern dynasty in the making.
If Tatum and Brown can lead this team to a championship, it will not only silence their doubters but also cement this squad’s place among the all-time greats in franchise—and league—history.
For now, the numbers speak loudly: 65 wins, a .792 winning percentage, and the kind of dominance that hasn’t been seen in decades. Only one Celtics team in history—Larry Bird’s 1985-86 powerhouse—was better in the regular season.
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