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Celtics have transformed themselves into a "Clutch Juggernaut". Here's how!

 JUGGERNAUT:

a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path. an advertising juggernaut.


The Celtics Joe Mazzulla and his troops have transformed themselves into a "juggernaut" in the clutch. They currently rank sixth in Net Rating (+20.5) under Mazzulla this season in Clutch-Time games  - whereas they ranked 26th in NR (-9.5) in the 2021-22 season under Ime Udoka. That is a point-differential of of 30.2.

So where does the difference really come from - the offense or defense? The Defensive Ratings from both seasons are virtually the same - (07.5 for 2023-24 /and 107.2 for 2021-22. The Offensive Rating difference is huge (97.7 in 2021-22 and 128.8 in 2023-24). 

At least for the early portion of this season, The Green can not be talked about as "chokers in the Clutch". At the end of close games they have learned to maintain their poise and put the ball in the hoop. Credit both the players and the coaching staff. And give Bras Stevens his due, 

Brad had to make some tough decisions, but bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday has had such a positive effect. Can The Celtics keep their cool in the heat of the post-season? That remains to be seen, but the team's present performances bode well for the playoffs.



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