The Celtics Started 0-3 and Just Locked in as a 2 Seed: Only 4 Teams in NBA History Have Done This

The Boston Celtics just officially clinched the 2 seed, and what they've accomplished to get there is legitimately historic. We're talking about a team that started the season 0-3, looked like absolute disaster material, and somehow pivoted into one of the most dominant regular seasons in franchise history. That doesn't happen. Or at least, it almost never happens.

Only 4 teams in NBA history have started 0-3 and then gone on to win 55 or more games. The 2025-26 Celtics are about to join that ultra-exclusive club with no fewer than 55 wins locked in. Think about that for a second. You start in the gutter and end up with one of the best records in the entire league? That's the kind of turnaround that defies logic.

This Might Be the Weakest Celtics Team in Years (And They're Still Historic)

Here's the wild part: this season is guaranteed to be the lowest win total of the Mazzulla Era. The Celtics came off 61, 64, and 57 win seasons. So 55 wins, while incredible for basically every other franchise in the league, is technically their "down year." And yet, their 55 wins are already the most wins in any non-Mazzulla season since Brad Stevens put up 55 back in 2017-18. If they win tomorrow against Orlando? That jumps to 56 wins, the most in a non-Mazzulla season since 2010-11. More than a decade ago.

To put this in perspective: there are teams that have existed for 36 years (looking at you, Hornets) and have never hit 55 wins. The Pelicans, in 24 years of existence, have done it exactly once. Only 4 teams in the entire NBA hit 55+ wins this season. The Celtics are in that conversation alongside teams that built rosters specifically for this moment.

Once They Found Their Groove, They Never Left

The Celtics officially grabbed the 2 seed on January 15th when they hit 25-15. From that point forward, they didn't spend a single day outside the top 2. Not one. Over the remaining 42 games, they stayed locked in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. That kind of consistency at the top is elite level basketball.

The stat sheet tells the full story: 2nd best offense in the NBA, 4th best defense, 4th best net rating, 2nd best point differential in the East. Top 4 record overall. This is a team firing on all cylinders heading into the playoffs, especially with Tatum back in the mix.

From May to now, from legitimate disaster season concerns to one of the best regular seasons in Celtics franchise history? That's the kind of redemption arc that makes you grateful to be a fan. The postseason is coming, and this team has as legitimate a shot as any contender to run the whole thing.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.