The Celtics kicked off the 2023-24 campaign with a remarkable start, finishing October and November with an NBA-best 14-4 record and securing top-10 rankings in offensive, defensive, and net rating. Consequently, the team was well-represented in the NBA's monthly awards.
Jayson Tatum named Eastern Conference Player of The Month
For the second consecutive season, Jayson Tatum was named Eastern Conference Player of The Month for October / November, marking the third time in his career that he has won the award.
Tatum is one of just three Celtics with multiple Player of The Month Awards, joining Larry Bird (7) and Paul Pierce (4).
The 25-year-old averaged 27.7 points, a career-high 8.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during October and November, finishing with an NBA-best plus-minus of +168.
The 6-foot-8 Tatum (who is probably bigger than that) noted on media day that he had put on 12 pounds over the offseason, and he has put that size to use, attacking mismatches often and utilizing a lethal post up game he has been developing with assistant coach Sam Cassell.
Tatum is posting up 11.5% of the time, a significant jump from his 5.1% a season ago. He has totaled 71 points out of the post this season (fourth-most in the NBA) on a very efficient 25-of-39 (64.1%) shooting, scoring at a 67.3% frequency on post possessions (fifth-best in the league), and getting to the line on 29.1% of post-up possessions.
The 6-year vet has grown a lot as a scorer this season, using all three levels, as he appears to be taking that next step.
Joe Mazzulla nominated for Eastern Conference Coach of The Month
Fast starts to the season appear to be a characteristic in Mazzulla-led teams.
After posting an 11-4 record in November this season (one of just six teams to reach double-digit wins in November), the Celtics are now a ridiculous 25-6 in November in two seasons under Mazzulla.
Like Tatum, Mazzulla has also demonstrated significant personal growth this season, as Boston’s bench boss has appeared much more comfortable after having an offseason to prepare.
From installing his new philosophies to reiterating some of the old ones that helped Boston raise a banner in 2008, Mazzulla is leaving his mark on the team’s culture, and it’s paying off for his team.
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