The Boston Celtics' season was largely considered over a mere five minutes in, when forward Gordon Hayward, who joined the team in the summer on a four-year, $128 million maximum contract, went out with a season-ending left ankle injury.
Things have changed in a month, as Boston has rebounded from an 0-2 start to reel off 14 consecutive wins -- including a stunning 92-88 victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
The Celtics have the best record and defensive rating and have provided plenty of surprises on the young season, and guard Kyrie Irving and forward Al Horford have developed a lethal two-man game. The play of second-year guard Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum has also contributed mightily to their start.
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The Celtics are second in point differential at 7.8 points per game and hold a three-game lead in the Eastern Conference standings. According ESPN's Basketball Power Index, Boston now has a 55 percent chance to reach the NBA Finals and a 16 percent chance to win the title.
-- John Silver