Celtics Aim to Turn 'Gap Year' Into Banner Season in Playoffs

After exceeding expectations with 56 regular-season wins, Boston enters the postseason as the Eastern Conference favorite.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective scene of a Celtics basketball game, with sharp planes of green, white, and gold representing the team's colors and energy.The Celtics' unexpected playoff run has transformed the narrative around the team, as they aim to turn a 'gap year' into a banner season.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics were expected to take a step back this season, but instead they exceeded expectations by winning 56 games and securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber campaign and a deep supporting cast, the Celtics are now viewed as the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals. As they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, Boston is hoping to turn what was supposed to be a 'gap year' into a banner season.

Why it matters

The Celtics' unexpected success this season has transformed the narrative around the team. What was once viewed as a 'gap year' is now a chance for Boston to contend for its 18th NBA championship. The team's ability to exceed preseason expectations and develop its young talent has positioned the Celtics as a formidable force in the playoffs, setting up an intriguing postseason run.

The details

The Celtics' remarkable turnaround this season was fueled by several key factors. Jaylen Brown emerged as an MVP candidate, delivering the best season of his career. Newcomers like Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Jordan Walsh stepped up and made significant contributions. Head coach Joe Mazzulla masterfully managed the revamped roster, putting himself in contention for Coach of the Year. And with Jayson Tatum and Nikola Vucevic now healthy, the Celtics enter the playoffs with their full complement of talent.

  • The Celtics secured their fifth consecutive 50-win season by beating the Charlotte Hornets in late March.
  • Boston finished the regular season with 56 wins, the fourth-most in the NBA.
  • The Celtics' first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers tips off on Sunday, April 19, at 1 p.m. (ABC).

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star guard delivered an MVP-caliber season, helping the team exceed preseason expectations.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' other star player has been playing at an All-Star level since returning from Achilles surgery on March 6.

Joe Mazzulla

The Celtics' head coach has been a front-runner for Coach of the Year after masterfully managing the team's revamped roster.

Neemias Queta

The former fourth-stringer has emerged as a top candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award after a breakout season.

Jordan Walsh

The third-year wing has been tasked with slowing down Sixers star Tyrese Maxey in the first-round playoff series.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm very grateful to be here. You don't always get promised to be on a 50-win team heading into the playoffs, so it's been a luxury here being able to be a part of that.'”

— Jaylen Brown

“'(I've improved) tremendously. I feel like I've taken the next step in a bunch of aspects of my game. Being able to make decisions, rebounding, setting screens for my teammates, finishing around the rim — you can name it. It's been a totally different player from the beginning of the year to now.'”

— Neemias Queta

“'I got a comment from Joe one time. He's like, 'Your career, you were dead in the water, and now you're back alive.' So that's kind of heartbreaking, but also cool to hear at the same time.'”

— Jordan Walsh

What’s next

The Celtics will face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at 1 p.m. (ABC). If Boston advances, they could potentially face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals and the Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals.

The takeaway

The Celtics' unexpected success this season has transformed the narrative around the team, turning what was supposed to be a 'gap year' into a chance to contend for an NBA championship. Boston's ability to develop its young talent and exceed preseason expectations has positioned the team as the Eastern Conference favorite, setting up an intriguing playoff run.