Home / Sports / Celtics' Playoff Pattern: Win Big, Lose Big
Celtics' Playoff Pattern: Win Big, Lose Big
24 Apr
Summary
- Boston Celtics historically blow out Game 1 opponents, then lose Game 2.
- This pattern has occurred 11 times in franchise history, most often in recent years.
- Derrick White was awarded the NBA's Sportsmanship Award for the season.
The Boston Celtics are demonstrating a unique and historic playoff tendency, marked by significant Game 1 victories followed by Game 2 losses. This pattern, where they win their series opener by 20 points or more and then lose the subsequent game, has occurred 11 times in franchise history, more than any other team. This trend has been particularly noticeable in the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era, with four instances since they became teammates.
This recurring scenario has played out across different Celtics generations, from Larry Bird and Kevin McHale's era to Bill Russell's championship teams. While these Game 2 letdowns have sometimes led to series defeats, as in 2019 against Milwaukee, they have more recently served as wake-up calls. In the 2024 playoffs, Boston experienced this cycle twice, against the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, ultimately winning both series in five games.
Separately, Celtics guard Derrick White has been honored with the NBA's Sportsmanship Award for the current season. Voted on by players league-wide, White received a significant portion of the first-place votes, ahead of other finalists like TJ McConnell and Harrison Barnes. White will be presented with the Joe Dumars Trophy for this achievement.
