Like many of us, I'm looking for reasons to believe in this Celtics team. I figured I'd do some research and see if any of the recent NBA champions struggled mightily during the regular season like the 2009-10 Celtics. The answer is yes.
Here are some excerpts from the Spurs 2006-07 recap on Hoopedia:
The Spurs got off to a strong start in the regular season, winning 11 of their first 14 games, including victories over Dallas, Phoenix and Houston.
But as the season unfolded, the Spurs failed to live up to their lofty expectations. Following a 9–7 record in January, the Spurs started February with a 1–3 record. They struggled down the stretch in many of those defeats, and the Spurs quickly found themselves far behind the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns.
Trade rumors began swirling around the Spurs. Unaccustomed to struggling during the regular season, the Spurs were frustrated. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, Popovich had to choose whether or not to keep the team together. His decision was not to make a trade. Then, it was as if their whole season had magically turned around in one moment.
With quiet determination, the Spurs spent the rest of the season flying under the radar, winning thirteen games in a row during February and March. The Spurs won those games with either tough defense or by hitting big shots down the stretch. The Spurs were an NBA-best 25–6 in the final 31 games. During the 31-game stretch, the Spurs averaged 98.8 points while holding their opponents to 87.9 ppg. With the NBA's top ranked defense and a 58–24 record, the Spurs entered the postseason in good shape.
This story sounds eerily familiar. A strong start. Disappointing winter. Trade rumors. Should the GM blow up the nucleus? And then... it magically turned around in one moment.
With 25 games remaining, there's still time for the Celtics to make a Spurs-like finish to the season. In this case, let's hope history repeats itself.