Three Takeaways From the Celtics’ 8-1 Surge

Let’s face it, late February is usually the part of the NBA season where things get a little sleepy. The trade deadline hype is over, the All-Star break is now in the past, and everyone is just waiting for the real games to start in April. Well, nobody told the Boston Celtics that.

Coming off that massive win against the Los Angeles Lakers in LA, the Celtics have officially gone 8-1 in their last nine games. In a season that felt a little hit-or-miss early on, this sudden surge has turned the Celtics back into the absolute wrecking ball that NBA fans are accustomed to. They are playing with a confidence that says they don’t just want to win, they want to put you away by halftime. So, how did we get here? What’s actually going on with this squad? Here are three major takeaways from the Celtics’ current 8-1 run.

Takeaways From the Celtics’ 8-1 Surge

1. Brown Continues to Elevate His Game

The biggest story of this run? Jaylen Brown. With Jayson Tatum out, JB has taken the keys to the offense and hasn’t just kept the car on the road, he’s been drag-racing it. During this 8-1 stretch, Brown has been a scoring machine, including a monstrous 32-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance against the Lakers. It’s not just the points, it’s how he’s doing it. He is relentless at driving to the rim, which has been crucial to breaking down opposing defenses.

We’ve seen Brown be great before, but this is different. He’s taking over the role of a true number one option with elite efficiency. Even when teams try to pack the paint, his footwork and strength are allowing him to finish in traffic or create easy opportunities for his teammates. If he keeps playing like this, the MVP talk isn’t going to stop.

2. The Defense Has Been Elite

Remember that stretch where the defense was a little…inconsistent? Yeah, that’s gone. This 8-1 run has been fueled by a defensive intensity that reminds you of their last title run. The highlight was obviously holding the Milwaukee Bucks to just 79 points, a dominant display that showcased exactly how this team wants to play. They are shutting down opponents, causing turnovers, and converting those mistakes into quick transition points.

It’s not just the stars either. The bench and role players are buying in. Look at guys like Neemias Queta, who is dominating the paint and grabbing boards, or Hugo Gonzalez, who is bringing that chaotic energy on defense. This team is no longer just relying on shots falling, they are suffocating teams, forcing them into tough shots and capitalizing on every second-chance opportunity.

3. Strong Depth and Chemistry

A lot of people looked at the roster changes and questioned the depth. However, this recent streak has shown that the Celtics’ bench isn’t just a group of guys trying not to lose the lead, they are actually adding to it.

The chemistry is visibly improving. With players like Payton Pritchard stepping up in big moments, and the young guys contributing, the Celtics have a lot more versatility than they did a month ago. The most impressive part? Even when they fall behind, like in that 22-point comeback against the Miami Heat, they don’t panic. Joe Mazzulla has his team playing with a “next man up” mentality, allowing them to remain a top-tier team even when shorthanded. The bench is thriving in their roles, which is going to be massive for managing energy as we head into the final stretch of the season.

The Verdict

The Celtics aren’t just winning, they are dominating in ways that scream “championship contender.” With Brown playing at an MVP level, the defense tightening up, and the depth producing, this 8-1 run is a warning shot to the rest of the league. The Detroit Pistons are likely still the team to beat in the East, but I don’t believe anyone would actually be surprised to see Boston playing in the NBA Finals at this point.