The 2021-22 Boston Celtics season marked a significant turnaround for the franchise. Under new head coach Ime Udoka, the Celtics finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. This was a marked improvement from their seventh-place finish the previous season. The team was led by their dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who both averaged over 23 points per game and were pivotal in the team’s success.
Defensively, the Celtics were one of the strongest teams in the league, finishing the regular season ranked first in defensive rating. The mid-season acquisition of Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs bolstered their backcourt depth and defensive versatility. Marcus Smart, known for his tenacious defense, was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the first guard to earn the honor since Gary Payton in 1996.
In the playoffs, Boston swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, showcasing their defensive prowess against a formidable opponent. They continued their strong postseason performance by defeating the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game series, followed by a hard-fought victory over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, their impressive run ended in the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in six games. Despite the loss, the season was seen as a success, setting a solid foundation for future contention.
- Regular Season Record: 51-31
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 2-4
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2021-22 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Jayson Tatum | 76 | 26.9 | 8.0 | 4.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 35.3 | 24 | 25.6 | 6.7 | 6.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 39.3 |
| Jaylen Brown | 66 | 23.6 | 6.1 | 3.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 35.8 | 24 | 23.1 | 6.9 | 3.5 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 37.3 |
| Dennis Schröder | 49 | 14.4 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 34.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Marcus Smart | 71 | 12.1 | 3.8 | 5.9 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 33.1 | 21 | 15.4 | 4.5 | 5.9 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 35.0 |
| Derrick White | 26 | 11.0 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 30.6 | 23 | 8.5 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 31.3 |
| Al Horford | 69 | 10.2 | 7.7 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 33.6 | 23 | 12.0 | 9.3 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 48.0 |
| Robert Williams | 61 | 10.0 | 9.6 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 17 | 7.7 | 6.2 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 0.0 |
| Josh Richardson | 44 | 9.7 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 39.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Daniel Theis | 21 | 7.9 | 4.7 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 35.7 | 16 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 21.4 |
| Grant Williams | 77 | 7.8 | 3.6 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 41.1 | 24 | 8.6 | 3.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 39.3 |
| Payton Pritchard | 71 | 6.2 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 41.2 | 24 | 4.8 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 |
| Romeo Langford | 44 | 4.7 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 34.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jabari Parker | 12 | 4.4 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Aaron Nesmith | 52 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 27.0 | 15 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 9.1 |
| Enes Freedom | 35 | 3.7 | 4.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 40.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Matt Ryan | 1 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 20.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Sam Hauser | 26 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 43.2 | 7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Luke Kornet | 12 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 9 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Joe Johnson | 1 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Justin Jackson | 1 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Malik Fitts | 8 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Brodric Thomas | 12 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 22.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Nik Stauskas | 6 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 33.3 | 13 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 30.0 |
| Juancho Hernangómez | 18 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 16.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Bruno Fernando | 20 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 100.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| C.J. Miles | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Juwan Morgan | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 9 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Kelan Martin | 3 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Brooklyn Nets
In the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics delivered a commanding performance, sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in a 4-0 series win. Jayson Tatum shined as a standout player, consistently putting pressure on the Nets' defense and showcasing his scoring prowess. The Celtics' strong defensive tactics and team cohesion were pivotal in neutralizing Brooklyn's star-studded lineup, setting the tone for their deep playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2022 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 115-114 | |
| Apr 20, 2022 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 114-107 | |
| Apr 23, 2022 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 109-103 | |
| Apr 25, 2022 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 116-112 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased resilience and tactical brilliance in their second-round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite facing the defending champions, the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s dynamic scoring and a stout defensive effort, managed to outlast the Bucks in a thrilling seven-game series. Their ability to adapt and execute under pressure highlighted their status as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2022 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 101-89 | |
| May 03, 2022 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-86 | |
| May 07, 2022 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 103-101 | |
| May 09, 2022 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-108 | |
| May 11, 2022 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 110-107 | |
| May 13, 2022 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 108-95 | |
| May 15, 2022 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 109-81 |
2022 Conference Championship vs. Miami Heat
In the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased resilience and tenacity, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. With stellar performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics battled through a grueling seven-game series, ultimately clinching a berth in the NBA Finals. Their defensive prowess and strategic adjustments under coach Ime Udoka were pivotal in overcoming the Heat's challenge.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2022 | @ Miami Heat | L 118-107 | |
| May 19, 2022 | @ Miami Heat | W 127-102 | |
| May 21, 2022 | vs. Miami Heat | L 109-103 | |
| May 23, 2022 | vs. Miami Heat | W 102-82 | |
| May 25, 2022 | @ Miami Heat | W 93-80 | |
| May 27, 2022 | vs. Miami Heat | L 111-103 | |
| May 29, 2022 | @ Miami Heat | W 100-96 |
2022 NBA Finals vs. Golden State Warriors
In the 2022 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics showcased their resilience and defensive prowess against the Golden State Warriors but ultimately fell short, losing the series 4-2. Despite strong performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics struggled to contain Stephen Curry's explosive scoring and the Warriors' championship experience. This marked a valiant run for Boston, highlighting their potential as a future contender in the league.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 02, 2022 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 120-108 | |
| Jun 05, 2022 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 107-88 | |
| Jun 08, 2022 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 116-100 | |
| Jun 10, 2022 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 107-97 | |
| Jun 13, 2022 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 104-94 | |
| Jun 16, 2022 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 103-90 |
Boston Celtics 2021-22 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2021-22 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2021 | @ New York Knicks | L 138-134 | |
| Oct 22, 2021 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 115-83 | |
| Oct 24, 2021 | @ Houston Rockets | W 107-97 | |
| Oct 25, 2021 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 140-129 | |
| Oct 27, 2021 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 116-107 | |
| Oct 30, 2021 | @ Washington Wizards | L 115-112 | |
| Nov 01, 2021 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 128-114 | |
| Nov 03, 2021 | @ Orlando Magic | W 92-79 | |
| Nov 04, 2021 | @ Miami Heat | W 95-78 | |
| Nov 06, 2021 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 107-104 | |
| Nov 10, 2021 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 104-88 | |
| Nov 12, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 122-113 | |
| Nov 13, 2021 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 91-89 | |
| Nov 15, 2021 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 98-92 | |
| Nov 17, 2021 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 110-99 | |
| Nov 19, 2021 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 130-108 | |
| Nov 20, 2021 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 111-105 | |
| Nov 22, 2021 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 108-90 | |
| Nov 24, 2021 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | L 123-104 | |
| Nov 26, 2021 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 96-88 | |
| Nov 28, 2021 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 109-97 | |
| Dec 01, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 88-87 | |
| Dec 03, 2021 | @ Utah Jazz | L 137-130 | |
| Dec 04, 2021 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 145-117 | |
| Dec 07, 2021 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 117-102 | |
| Dec 08, 2021 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 114-111 | |
| Dec 10, 2021 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-90 | |
| Dec 13, 2021 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 117-103 | |
| Dec 17, 2021 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 111-107 | |
| Dec 18, 2021 | vs. New York Knicks | W 114-107 | |
| Dec 20, 2021 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 108-103 | |
| Dec 22, 2021 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 111-101 | |
| Dec 25, 2021 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 117-113 | |
| Dec 27, 2021 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 108-103 | |
| Dec 29, 2021 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 91-82 | |
| Dec 31, 2021 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 123-108 | |
| Jan 02, 2022 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 116-111 | |
| Jan 05, 2022 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 99-97 | |
| Jan 06, 2022 | @ New York Knicks | L 108-105 | |
| Jan 08, 2022 | vs. New York Knicks | W 99-75 | |
| Jan 10, 2022 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 101-98 | |
| Jan 12, 2022 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 119-100 | |
| Jan 14, 2022 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 111-99 | |
| Jan 15, 2022 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 114-112 | |
| Jan 17, 2022 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 104-92 | |
| Jan 19, 2022 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 111-102 | |
| Jan 21, 2022 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 109-105 | |
| Jan 23, 2022 | @ Washington Wizards | W 116-87 | |
| Jan 25, 2022 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 128-75 | |
| Jan 28, 2022 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 108-92 | |
| Jan 29, 2022 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | W 107-97 | |
| Jan 31, 2022 | vs. Miami Heat | W 122-92 | |
| Feb 02, 2022 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 113-107 | |
| Feb 04, 2022 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 102-93 | |
| Feb 06, 2022 | @ Orlando Magic | W 116-83 | |
| Feb 08, 2022 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 126-91 | |
| Feb 11, 2022 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 108-102 | |
| Feb 13, 2022 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 105-95 | |
| Feb 15, 2022 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 135-87 | |
| Feb 16, 2022 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 112-111 | |
| Feb 24, 2022 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 129-106 | |
| Feb 26, 2022 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 113-104 | |
| Feb 27, 2022 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 128-107 | |
| Mar 01, 2022 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 107-98 | |
| Mar 03, 2022 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 120-107 | |
| Mar 06, 2022 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 126-120 | |
| Mar 09, 2022 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 115-101 | |
| Mar 11, 2022 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 114-103 | |
| Mar 13, 2022 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 95-92 | |
| Mar 16, 2022 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 110-88 | |
| Mar 18, 2022 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 126-97 | |
| Mar 20, 2022 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 124-104 | |
| Mar 21, 2022 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 132-123 | |
| Mar 23, 2022 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 125-97 | |
| Mar 27, 2022 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 134-112 | |
| Mar 28, 2022 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 115-112 | |
| Mar 30, 2022 | vs. Miami Heat | L 106-98 | |
| Apr 01, 2022 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 128-123 | |
| Apr 03, 2022 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 144-102 | |
| Apr 06, 2022 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 117-94 | |
| Apr 07, 2022 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 127-121 | |
| Apr 10, 2022 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 139-110 |