With the NBA playoffs set to tip off this weekend, everyone is trying to predict this year’s champion. Last year, the Boston Celtics won the title dominantly. While they are slightly behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to betting odds, the reigning champs still should be considered the team to beat. Let’s explore why the Celtics are likely to win consecutive titles.
NBA Playoffs: 3 Reasons Why the Celtics Will Repeat as Champions
The Most Proven Playoff Team
Playoff experience is a crucial part of being able to win a title. History shows us that most teams that win the championship have had significant experience beforehand and are more dangerous after winning a championship as a core. While the Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers are both talented 60-plus win teams, they have only won a single playoff series each. OKC is also one of the youngest teams in the league and would be the youngest team in nearly 50 years to win a championship. Even other teams that have playoff experience, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, don’t have the same continuity as this Celtics core.
In a seven-game series, it will be challenging to beat the battle-tested Celtics. Last year, the Celtics dominated, losing only three games en route to winning the title. Granted, this year they’ll face more competition; however, their proven ability to dominate in the playoffs sets the Celtics apart. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have eight-plus years of significant playoff experience. Jrue Holiday is a proven playoff riser and two-time NBA champion. Since joining the Celtics in 2022, Derrick White has performed at a high level in the playoffs and had plenty of clutch moments. Al Horford is a trusted veteran who continues to defy the odds with his high-quality play. The only real question in the Celtics’ top six is Kristaps Porziņģis due to his injury history, still his upside is undeniable if he stays healthy. All things considered, the Celtics’ proven championship experience and stellar top-six are clear advantages.
Elite Two-Way Balance
For the third straight season, the Celtics finished with a top-five offense and defense. Their superb two-way balance allows them to match up with any team and win any style of game. Offensively, the Celtics are a historically great three-point shooting team that shattered the all-time three-point record this season. In the playoffs, their shooting will allow them to control the game and have big leads. Boston’s offense generates open shots better than anyone in the league, their five-out scheme and elite ball movement make them impossible to defend against. The Celtics’ offense runs drive-and-kick actions through Tatum and Brown, which generates a high number of open looks.
The key to the Celtics’ offensive dominance is painfully obvious yet completely unstoppable pic.twitter.com/3lZAkSRLaH
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) March 11, 2025
Defensively, the Celtics run a versatile scheme where they switch on nearly everything. Incredibly, all five of the Celtics’ starting lineup are All-Defensive caliber. Having no weak point to attack in the starting lineup is difficult for opposing offenses, especially in a playoff setting. With elite, perimeter, wing, and interior defense, the Celtics can limit any star. The Thunder and Cavs also offer elite two-way balance. However, their three-point shooting is a tick behind the Celtics, and neither team’s second option has proven they can perform at a high level in the playoffs. Additionally, the Cavs specifically have a starter to target defensively, point guard Darius Garland. Ultimately, the Celtics’ exceptional play on both ends of the court and complete roster make them the team to beat.
Historical Trends
Since the NBA-ABA merger, there have been nine repeat champions. Of these nine champions, seven have 60-plus games in their first season, with the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 2011-12 Miami Heat being the two exceptions. Notably, the 2011-12 season was a lockout-shortened year, and the Heat followed it up by winning 66 games in the following season. The Celtics winning 60-plus games in back-to-back seasons is a testament to their dominance and bodes well for their title chances. A common knock on the Celtics’ championship hopes is that there hasn’t been a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-2018. However, none of the champions from 2019-2023 won 60-plus games in their championship season or the following year. Overall, the Celtics’ regular season dominance checks a key box in the making of a repeat champion.
The Last Word
Boston will have plenty of competition for the title, including fellow 60-plus win teams, the Cavs and Thunder, along with the new look Lakers. However, their proven track record in the playoffs, continuity, flawless roster, and overall dominance give them the best chance to win it all. Ultimately, the Celtics have all the ingredients of a repeat champion; barring a major injury, they are primed to win their 19th championship.
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