It took a month, but Celtics are finally getting credit they deserve

The Boston Celtics secured the 18th championship in franchise history on June 17.

Joe Mazzulla's team overcame the Dallas Mavericks in five games, holding them to under 100 points in all four of its wins. The Celtics held opponents to under 100 points in 11 of their 19 postseason outings. The Celtics also dominated in the regular season, finishing first in offensive rating, second in defensive rating and first in Net Rating.

Nevertheless, the media consistently questioned the Celtics' run to a championship. Boston had faced multiple teams that either missed their star player or saw their star player get hurt during the series. Jimmy Butler, Tyrese Haliburton and Donovan Mitchell all fell short for their respective teams.

However, just over a month after the Celtics' championship victory, it would appear they're finally starting to get some of the credit they deserve.

“It’s funny that people give teams the Celtics played against a pass because of injuries, but no one talks about Boston last year,” An NBA GM told Steve Bulpett of Heavy on Sports . “You can even leave aside (Jayson) Tatum getting hurt at the start of Game 7 (in the conference finals against Miami). I don’t think they would have been in that tough position if not for Malcolm Brogdon‘s injury (elbow)."

A different executive pointed out that the team's mindset had changed for the better.

“They weren’t the same team that used to blow games at the end,” another NBA exec said. “They won tight games in the playoffs. They showed that. They proved it to people — and they proved it to themselves. And that second part is a lot more important than the first."

The Celtics face a tough task next season. Multiple teams around them have improved. The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Paul George in free agency. The New York Knicks added Mikal Bridges. Suddenly, the Eastern Conference is wide open at the top.

If the Celtics continue to dominate, critics will be hard-pressed to find a fair and legitimate reason to question their place atop the NBA.

The Celtics are starting to get the respect their dominant season deserves. As time continues to pass, their run may be looked at in a far more forgiving light.

However, if they truly want to cement their legacy, they must defend their title and secure a second straight championship next season. Otherwise, the critics will be out in full force.