Boston Celtics Make History with 18-0 Start at TD Garden
Franchise Record Broken as Celtics Remain Unbeaten at Home
BOSTON – The Boston Celtics have achieved perfection at TD Garden with an unprecedented 18-0 start at home. This remarkable feat surpasses any previous Celtics team in their 76-year history, including the legendary squads of the past.
The Celtics’ latest victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves not only secured their unbeaten record but also broke a 67-year-old franchise mark set by the 1957-58 team led by second-year center Bill Russell, who started 17-0 at Boston Garden.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics made it a priority to protect their home court this season after a disappointing 5-6 record at TD Garden in the previous postseason. Their efforts have paid off, as they have outscored their opponents by an impressive average of 14.6 points per game.
What makes Boston’s achievement even more remarkable is the fact that they have faced the second-toughest schedule in the league, with most of their victories coming against teams with winning records.
The Celtics’ historic run began with a statement win over the Miami Heat in their home opener, avenging their loss in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. They followed it up with dominant performances against the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks, winning each game by double digits.
As the season progressed, the Celtics continued to assert their dominance at TD Garden, defeating tough opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls. They also navigated through a challenging December schedule, going 12-2, including a sweep of back-to-back miniseries against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.
Despite a scare from the struggling Detroit Pistons, who forced overtime, the Celtics managed to hold on and secure another close win. Their success led to Joe Mazzulla being named East Coach of the Month for the second time in his career.
The Celtics entered the new year with a resounding 29-point victory over the Utah Jazz, tying the franchise record for the best start to a season with 17 straight wins. They then made history with their 18th consecutive home win, defeating the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves in an exhilarating overtime battle.
Coach Mazzulla acknowledged the crucial role played by the passionate Celtics fans in their unbeaten home record, emphasizing the connection between the team, the city, and the arena. He credited the fans’ support for creating an atmosphere that motivates the players to perform at their best.
While the Celtics’ 18-0 start at home is an impressive achievement, they still have a long way to go before surpassing the NBA record of 39-0 set by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2015-16 season. The Golden State Warriors also had a remarkable 36-0 start at home that same season, which was
