18-21.

The Celtics record in January 2022.

Many wrote them off, others kept clinging on to the small amount of hope that maybe they could turn it around.

Boston was called soft, selfish, unmotivated, immature, & not ready. They received a bombardment of criticism, and it was only a matter of time before something drastic would’ve taken place.

Would Ime Udoka going to lose his job? Would Marcus Smart have been traded? Would the Jays have been split up?

Whatever way you put it, the Celtics needed to clean up their act and start winning basketball games.

And that’s exactly what they did.

We slowly started winning games, and finished our season going 26-6 (after being 25-25 on Jan. 28th).

They put it all together. They made it work. The team had chemistry, the team was motivated, and most of all, the team looked ready for a title.

The postseason came around quickly, and it the word around the league was that the Celtics late regular season run was a fluke.

The apparent “Big Bad Wolf” Brooklyn Nets were their first opponent. Not only did we expose Kevin Durant, we shut down the case that he’s the best player in the world. The C’s also got their sweet revenge on Kyrie, and sent that team packing in 4 games.

The defending NBA champion Bucks were their next big test. It was a long, physical, hard fought series, but Boston persevered and dethroned the true king of the East: Giannis Antetokounmpo. They proved that as dominant as he is, he cannot do it all by himself.

After the Bucks came Miami. Boston beat them in another long series, but earned themselves a ticket to the Finals. Jimmy Butler & co. are good players, but a collection of really good players without a guy who can consistently score will not win you a title. The Heat learned that the hard way.

The C’s final test was Golden State. The Warriors had won 3 of their last 5 finals appearances, and they looked hungry for another.

The first 4 games of the series proved to be competitive. It was a tie series at 2-2, with both teams making a case that they were the better team.

Unfortunately, on the morning after the NBA finals game 6, the Golden State Warriors are your 2022 NBA Champions.

Boston looked exhausted. In games 5 & 6, the C’s just looked careless, tired, and drained, both physically & mentally.

The road from being 18-21 to being 2 wins away from winning the finals was a clear indication that the C’s were beat. It was a long, winding road to get where they are today.

And for that, C’s fans, you should be proud.

Be proud that they got there. Be proud that they turned it all around and wanted to make it work. Be proud they beat all their tough playoff opponents. Boston has earned the reputation of being known as a “championship or bust” sports town, but in this case, be glad they got there. The Celtics very well could have won this series, but this team still has work to do & some decisions to make.

As for the future, keep the team intact. It’s clear now that we aren’t scared of anybody in the East, and we’re only just getting started. Jayson Tatum is 24. Jaylen Brown is 25. Robert Williams is 24 and will be healthy. Marcus Smart is only 28. Ime Udoka now has a full season as a HC. Every key player to the team is under contract through next year.

It’ll be a tough next few weeks for Boston, being so close to winning their first title since 2008, but they’ll be back. And better than ever.