The 2019-20 Boston Celtics season was marked by both promise and disruption. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics finished the regular season with a 48-24 record, placing third in the Eastern Conference. This performance was a significant improvement from the previous season, largely due to the emergence of Jayson Tatum and the arrival of Kemba Walker, who was acquired to replace Kyrie Irving. Tatum’s breakout year, averaging 23.4 points per game, earned him his first All-Star selection and solidified his role as the team’s go-to scorer.
The Celtics entered the postseason with high expectations. In the first round, they swept the Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing their defensive prowess and cohesive team play. The Eastern Conference Semifinals saw the Celtics face the Toronto Raptors in a tightly contested seven-game series. Boston emerged victorious, thanks to consistent performances from Tatum and Jaylen Brown, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years.
However, their championship aspirations were halted by the Miami Heat, who defeated them in six games. The Heat’s zone defense and the exceptional play of Jimmy Butler proved too much for Boston to overcome. The season concluded in the NBA bubble in Orlando, which was implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the abrupt end, the season was seen as a stepping stone for the young Celtics, highlighting their potential for future success.
- Regular Season Record: 48-24
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 2-4
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2019-20 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Jayson Tatum | 66 | 23.4 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 40.3 | 17 | 25.7 | 10.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 37.3 |
| Kemba Walker | 56 | 20.4 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 38.1 | 17 | 19.6 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 31.0 |
| Jaylen Brown | 57 | 20.3 | 6.4 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 38.2 | 17 | 21.8 | 7.5 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 35.8 |
| Gordon Hayward | 52 | 17.5 | 6.7 | 4.1 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 38.3 | 5 | 10.8 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 29.2 |
| Marcus Smart | 60 | 12.9 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 34.7 | 17 | 14.5 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 33.3 |
| Daniel Theis | 65 | 9.2 | 6.6 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 33.3 | 17 | 8.9 | 7.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 15.4 |
| Enes Freedom | 58 | 8.1 | 7.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 14.3 | 11 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Brad Wanamaker | 71 | 6.9 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 36.3 | 17 | 4.9 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 44.4 |
| Robert Williams | 29 | 5.2 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 13 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Tremont Waters | 11 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 16.7 | 1 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Grant Williams | 69 | 3.4 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 25.0 | 17 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 58.8 |
| Semi Ojeleye | 69 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 37.8 | 13 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 21.7 |
| Javonte Green | 48 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 27.3 | 1 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Tacko Fall | 7 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 2 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Carsen Edwards | 37 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 31.6 | 1 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Romeo Langford | 32 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 18.5 | 7 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Vincent Poirier | 22 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 50.1 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Boston Celtics in the 2020 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Philadelphia 76ers
In the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance by sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in a decisive 4-0 series victory. Jayson Tatum emerged as a standout performer, averaging over 27 points per game and demonstrating his growth as a young leader on the team. The Celtics' cohesive defense and balanced offensive attack overwhelmed a Philadelphia squad missing Ben Simmons due to injury.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17, 2020 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-101 | |
| Aug 19, 2020 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 128-101 | |
| Aug 21, 2020 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 102-94 | |
| Aug 23, 2020 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 110-106 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Toronto Raptors
In the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Toronto Raptors in a thrilling Eastern Conference Semifinals series that went the full seven games. Boston's young stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, showcased their talent and resilience, ultimately leading the team to a decisive Game 7 victory. The series was marked by intense defensive battles and standout performances, solidifying Boston's reputation as a formidable playoff contender.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30, 2020 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 112-94 | |
| Sep 01, 2020 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 102-99 | |
| Sep 03, 2020 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 104-103 | |
| Sep 05, 2020 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 100-93 | |
| Sep 07, 2020 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 111-89 | |
| Sep 09, 2020 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 125-122 | |
| Sep 11, 2020 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 92-87 |
2020 Conference Championship vs. Miami Heat
In the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing a young and dynamic roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Despite their spirited performance and tactical prowess on the court, they were ultimately defeated by the Miami Heat in six games, falling short of advancing to the NBA Finals. The series highlighted the Celtics' potential but also underscored areas for growth, particularly in closing out tight games.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2020 | vs. Miami Heat | L 117-114 | |
| Sep 17, 2020 | vs. Miami Heat | L 106-101 | |
| Sep 19, 2020 | @ Miami Heat | W 117-106 | |
| Sep 23, 2020 | @ Miami Heat | L 112-109 | |
| Sep 25, 2020 | vs. Miami Heat | W 121-108 | |
| Sep 27, 2020 | @ Miami Heat | L 125-113 |
Boston Celtics 2019-20 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2019-20 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2019 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 107-93 | |
| Oct 25, 2019 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 112-106 | |
| Oct 26, 2019 | @ New York Knicks | W 118-95 | |
| Oct 30, 2019 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-105 | |
| Nov 01, 2019 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-102 | |
| Nov 05, 2019 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 119-113 | |
| Nov 07, 2019 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 108-87 | |
| Nov 09, 2019 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 135-115 | |
| Nov 11, 2019 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 116-106 | |
| Nov 13, 2019 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 140-133 | |
| Nov 15, 2019 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 105-100 | |
| Nov 17, 2019 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 100-99 | |
| Nov 18, 2019 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 99-85 | |
| Nov 20, 2019 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 107-104 | |
| Nov 22, 2019 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 96-92 | |
| Nov 25, 2019 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 103-102 | |
| Nov 27, 2019 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 121-110 | |
| Nov 29, 2019 | @ Brooklyn Nets | L 112-107 | |
| Dec 01, 2019 | @ New York Knicks | W 113-104 | |
| Dec 04, 2019 | vs. Miami Heat | W 112-93 | |
| Dec 06, 2019 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 108-95 | |
| Dec 09, 2019 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 110-88 | |
| Dec 11, 2019 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 122-117 | |
| Dec 12, 2019 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 115-109 | |
| Dec 18, 2019 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 109-103 | |
| Dec 20, 2019 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 114-93 | |
| Dec 22, 2019 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 119-93 | |
| Dec 25, 2019 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 118-102 | |
| Dec 27, 2019 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 129-117 | |
| Dec 28, 2019 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 113-97 | |
| Dec 31, 2019 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 109-92 | |
| Jan 03, 2020 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 109-106 | |
| Jan 04, 2020 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 111-104 | |
| Jan 06, 2020 | @ Washington Wizards | L 99-94 | |
| Jan 08, 2020 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 129-114 | |
| Jan 09, 2020 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 109-98 | |
| Jan 11, 2020 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 140-105 | |
| Jan 13, 2020 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 113-101 | |
| Jan 15, 2020 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 116-103 | |
| Jan 16, 2020 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 128-123 | |
| Jan 18, 2020 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 123-119 | |
| Jan 20, 2020 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 139-107 | |
| Jan 22, 2020 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 119-95 | |
| Jan 24, 2020 | @ Orlando Magic | W 109-98 | |
| Jan 26, 2020 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | L 123-108 | |
| Jan 28, 2020 | @ Miami Heat | W 109-101 | |
| Jan 30, 2020 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 119-104 | |
| Feb 01, 2020 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-95 | |
| Feb 03, 2020 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 123-115 | |
| Feb 05, 2020 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 116-100 | |
| Feb 07, 2020 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 112-107 | |
| Feb 09, 2020 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 112-111 | |
| Feb 11, 2020 | @ Houston Rockets | L 116-105 | |
| Feb 13, 2020 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 141-133 | |
| Feb 21, 2020 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 127-117 | |
| Feb 23, 2020 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 114-112 | |
| Feb 25, 2020 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 118-106 | |
| Feb 26, 2020 | @ Utah Jazz | W 114-103 | |
| Feb 29, 2020 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 111-110 | |
| Mar 03, 2020 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | L 129-120 | |
| Mar 04, 2020 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 112-106 | |
| Mar 06, 2020 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 99-94 | |
| Mar 08, 2020 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 105-104 | |
| Mar 10, 2020 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 114-111 | |
| Jul 31, 2020 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 119-112 | |
| Aug 02, 2020 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 128-124 | |
| Aug 04, 2020 | @ Miami Heat | L 112-106 | |
| Aug 05, 2020 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 149-115 | |
| Aug 07, 2020 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 122-100 | |
| Aug 09, 2020 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 122-119 | |
| Aug 11, 2020 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 122-107 | |
| Aug 13, 2020 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 96-90 |