Celtics Earn Praise from Amazon Prime Crew

Analysts highlight Boston's well-rounded roster and coaching as they surge up the Eastern Conference standings.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations this season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 36-19 record despite early questions about their ability to compete. Their strong play has earned praise from the Amazon Prime NBA broadcast crew, with Blake Griffin, Udonis Haslem, and Rudy Gay all highlighting the Celtics as a well-rounded team with few weaknesses. The addition of Nikola Vucevic has bolstered their interior scoring and floor spacing, complementing the scoring of Jaylen Brown and the potential return of Jayson Tatum.

Why it matters

The Celtics' resurgence is a surprise given the roster turnover they faced in the offseason, and their ability to maintain a high level of play despite injuries and trades speaks to the strength of their coaching staff and overall team culture. As one of the NBA's marquee franchises, the Celtics' success is closely watched, and their emergence as a title contender would be a major storyline in the league.

The details

Despite losing key players in the offseason, the Celtics have continued to thrive under head coach Joe Mazzulla, employing the same high-tempo, unselfish style of play that has made them one of the league's most entertaining teams. The addition of Nikola Vucevic has provided an interior scoring presence and floor-spacing big man, complementing the scoring of Jaylen Brown (29.3 ppg) and the potential return of Jayson Tatum later in the season. Role players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have also stepped up, averaging 17.2 points per game each.

  • The Celtics began the season with a 36-19 record as of February 20, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer, averaging 29.3 points per game.

Nikola Vucevic

The veteran center acquired by the Celtics, who has averaged 15.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his first three games with the team.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics' head coach, who has maintained the team's high-tempo, unselfish style of play despite roster changes.

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What they’re saying

“That might be the team with the least amount of questions.”

— Blake Griffin (Amazon Prime)

“To me, the Boston Celtics have the best habits of any team in the NBA.”

— Udonis Haslem (Amazon Prime)

“Vucevic has singlehandedly solved their 'problems.'”

— Rudy Gay (Amazon Prime)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong play and solidify their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference as the season progresses.

The takeaway

The Celtics' ability to maintain a high level of play despite significant roster changes is a testament to the strength of their coaching staff and team culture. Their emergence as a title contender would be a major storyline in the NBA.