The Boston Celtics made a statement on Sunday, dismantling the Los Angeles Lakers in a 111-89 rout on national TV.

That prompted reactions from talking heads and national media members across the country, many of whom now seem to be taking the Celtics seriously as contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Boston’s impressive win also sparked a response from the team’s former radio announcer, Glenn Ordway, who shared his thoughts on social media on Sunday night.

“Not sure anyone saw this coming I certainly didn’t BUT the Celtics are legitimate contenders at least in the East..because Jaylen Brown is playing at MVP level & Joe Mazzulla has developed role & bench players who can defend…and if they get Tatum back ????” Ordway wrote on X.

 

Not sure anyone saw this coming I certainly didn’t BUT the Celtics are legitimate contenders at least in the East..because Jaylen Brown is playing at MVP level & Joe Mazzulla has developed role & bench players who can defend…and if they get Tatum back ????

— Glenn Ordway (@GlennDOrdway) February 23, 2026

 

Like many people, Ordway didn’t expect Boston to be so good this season after losing Jayson Tatum to injury and parting ways with Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Fortunately for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown has stepped up in Tatum’s absence and is having the best year of his career with an MVP-caliber season. Joe Mazzulla has also gotten the most out of Boston’s role players, who are excelling on defense and contributing on offense.

The result has been one of the best teams in basketball. After winning eight of their last nine games, the Celtics are now 37-19 with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons. It’s not a fluke, either, as they rank second in offensive rating, seventh in defensive rating and third in net rating.

Boston may get Tatum back soon, too, which would make the team even more dangerous. Even if he doesn’t return, however, the Celtics have already proven they can hold their own against the league’s top teams. Just ask the Lakers.

More NBA: Celtics Release Injury Report Ahead Of Tuesday Battle Against Suns