Time flowed slowly like a babbling stream, and January's schedule gradually moved forward.
During that month, the Boston Celtics lost only one game—their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
But over the following thirteen games, the Boston Celtics displayed overwhelming dominance, charging ahead relentlessly and collecting victory after victory.
Just like that, they entered February riding an impressive thirteen-game winning streak, with their overall record reaching an astonishing 39 wins and 6 losses!
At the same time, that streak allowed the Boston Celtics to surpass the Golden State Warriors and claim the league's best overall record.
The Golden State Warriors currently stood at 37 wins and 7 losses, firmly holding first place in the West and second in the league overall.
A few days earlier, the two teams had already engaged in a fiercely contested, sparks-flying showdown.
From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, neither side could pull away, and the score remained tight throughout.
As the game entered its decisive final moments, the hearts of every spectator were in their throats.
Then Gordon Hayward stepped up. Taking Goodwin's pass, he drained a precise mid-range jumper to break the deadlock and seal the game, helping the Boston Celtics narrowly defeat the Golden State Warriors, 114–110.
After that heart-stopping battle, countless fans eagerly anticipated the teams' second meeting.
After all, in today's league, there were already very few elite teams capable of going toe-to-toe with a powerhouse like the Boston Celtics, and the Golden State Warriors were undoubtedly among the best of them.
The Warriors had been on fire this season, with every player on the team making remarkable progress.
There was no need to mention the backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson; they remained as steady and efficient as ever.
Meanwhile, the growth of players such as Harrison