BOSTON. The Boston Celtics were eager to get back on the court as they were just two wins away from a championship goal last June. Tomorrow night they will finally be able to start working on their unfinished business as they turn the page ahead of the first game of the 2022-23 regular season.
Against another Eastern Conference team, the Cs will host the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Not only was it their first game of the season, it was their first game of the NBA season. As such, they will have the honor of setting the tone for the entire league on national television, paying tribute to the late Bill Russell in every possible way.
“Honestly, tomorrow is the first day of school,” Jason Tatum told Celtics.com Monday afternoon after the last pre-season practice in Boston. “I picked up the clothes and it was so exciting. Time flies and I’m in my sixth year now so I just want to live in the moment and enjoy it because my dream has come true and I’m going to make a living playing basketball.” so I’m ready to get back on the court.”
Whether it’s from the point of view of Tatum starting his sixth year or Al Horford starting his 16th year, Day 1 will never make these guys feel like kids again.
“We’re glad he’s finally here,” Horford, 36, said. “Obviously we were looking forward to a pre-season reunion, but now that [the regular season] has started we’re really excited about it and I feel good on our team.”
Boston’s preseason has made the team feel good, especially on offense. The Cs lead the league in points, assists, and three-point percentage per game, and are in the top five in several other categories. Although they ended the game 2-2, their backbone looked very tight, even with the absence of several key players such as Danilo Gallinari and Rob Williams.
“I think our boot camp went really well,” Tatum said. “Obviously we wish we had Gallo and Rob, but the team we have, I love the way we play in preseason, I love the way we train. I think everyone gets along well. We are there.
According to Horford, it is pleasant to start the game for several reasons. “Obviously it’s a big game, the [76ers] are a really good team. But most of all, it’s just great for me to play a big game. Regular season, let’s go. Garden opening, tribute to Bill Russell. Lots of good stuff. It’s great to be with the Celtics right now.
At the same time, the team did not want to run too far ahead. They have repeatedly said that as the reigning champion of the Eastern Conference there are no guarantees, especially when you play against so many opponents.
“We’re not going to skip steps,” interim head coach Joe Mazuela said. “We must approach each day with the utmost detail and maximum efficiency in the work we strive to accomplish.”
But that doesn’t mean they can’t dream of more. After being so close last season, they know exactly what they want to achieve.
“Obviously we’re trying to get a championship,” Tatum said. “starting tomorrow”.
If you are having difficulty accessing any of the content on this website, please visit our accessibility page.
Post time: Oct-18-2022