Still, somehow, Boston managed to rack up the top record in the East at 29-10. The C’s have the same number of losses (10) as second-place Toronto, but they have won five more wins. That stat alone tells the story of the team’s crazy schedule.
The good news for Boston is that its most arduous portion of the schedule is now in the rearview mirror. After playing its first 39 games in 73 days, it will play its final 43 games over 104 days.
“That,” as Kyrie Irving said with a grin Saturday afternoon, “is a hell of a difference.”
It sure is, and it will make a hell of a difference for the Celtics as well.
With far more off days over the next three-plus months, the they’re going to be far more rested – and, hopefully, far healthier – for their final 43 games of the season. With far more practice days, they’re going to be much sharper as well.