The Boston Celtics cruised to victory against the Indiana Pacers, tallying an impressive 155 points. Here are a few overreactions stemming from the game.

As the NBA season kicks off, it’s no surprise that hot takes and overreactions abound. However, it’s undeniably impressive to see the Boston Celtics’ exceptional start.

With a flawless 4-0 record through four games, the Celtics stand as the sole undefeated team in the Eastern Conference. Adding to their early-season success, the Celtics recently delivered a historic blowout to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, claiming a resounding 155-104 victory.

While it’s worth noting that the Pacers were missing their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, the Celtics showcased a dazzling performance. They achieved a remarkable shooting percentage of over 56%, exploded with 44 points in the first quarter, and secured their second-highest point total in franchise history.

Following such a monumental win, there’s an undeniable buzz surrounding the Green Team. So, let’s embrace the excitement with three spirited overreactions to Boston’s dismantling of the Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics have solidified their starting lineup

As the 2023-24 season began, there were questions surrounding the Boston Celtics’ starting five. Would seasoned center Al Horford, who has traditionally been a starter throughout his career, be willing to come off the bench?

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla indeed made the decision to bring Horford off the bench, and it appears to be a wise choice thus far. The combination of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White has proven to be a formidable unit, and they demonstrated their prowess with a dominant performance against the Pacers. Moreover, this starting five has played together for 72 minutes, boasting an impressive offensive rating of 125.9.

Although the new season is still in its early stages, it’s becoming evident that the Celtics have established a starting rotation that can serve them well in the foreseeable future.

Jayson Tatum is emerging as an early MVP contender

While winning the MVP award may not be Jayson Tatum’s top priority, there’s no denying that he’s building a compelling case for it.

The four-time All-Star is currently averaging an impressive 29.8 points per game, shooting at an efficient 56.3% from the field. He has also been a consistent rebounder, securing 9.2 boards per game for a team with ample height.

What’s particularly encouraging for Celtics fans is that Tatum’s scoring has been sustainable, with a significant portion of his points stemming from drives and midrange shots, rather than solely relying on three-pointers and layups.

Moreover, the Celtics have maintained an unbeaten record, a significant factor in MVP voting. However, if there is any competition for the 25-year-old, it’s likely coming from Dallas Mavericks’ standout Luka Doncic. The talented Slovenian has led his team to a perfect 3-0 record and has averaged an astounding 33.8 points per game in the process.

Tatum may hold an edge on the defensive end, but as the season progresses, the MVP race could very well include both of them.

Every starting Celtic could earn either All-NBA or All-Defensive honors this season

Every member of the Celtics’ starting lineup has the potential to earn either All-NBA or All-Defensive honors this season. While it might be early to discuss regular season awards, it’s conceivable that each starting Celtic could receive recognition after the 2023-24 season.

Tatum and Brown’s inclusion in All-NBA teams seems likely, given their previous achievements in the previous season. Additionally, Porzingis may also have a shot at making the cut, thanks to his solid performance in a different position, averaging 18.8 points, 1.5 blocks, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

On the defensive front, White and Holiday have the potential to secure All-Defensive honors once more. Holiday is currently averaging 1.8 blocks per game, while White contributes 1.3 steals and blocks per game. Remarkably, these block statistics outshine the averages of many taller big men, including Deandre Ayton, Jusuf Nurkic, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Despite the buzz around individual awards, the primary objective for the Celtics remains winning their 18th championship. The season’s ultimate goal is a championship, and the team will strive to maintain their momentum throughout the regular season and, hopefully, into the playoffs.